nounDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: tissu ‘fine cloth’, from tistre ‘to weave’, from Latin texere; → TEXT
1 [countable] a piece of soft thin paper, used especially for blowing your nose on: 
a box of tissuestissue2[uncountable] (also tissue paper) light thin paper used for wrapping, packing etc3[uncountable] the material forming animal or plant cellslung/brain etc tissue4a tissue of lies British EnglishUNTRUE a story or account that is completely untrue
noun
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: tunge 1mouth [countable] the soft part inside your mouth that you can move about and use for eating and speaking:
Joe ran his tongue over his dry lips.runlipThe taste of the chocolate was still on her tongue.beThe girl scowled at me, then stuck out her tongue.scowlstick2click your tongue to make a sharp noise with your tongue to show that you are annoyed or disappointed: She clicked her tongue and shook her head.clickshake3sharp tongueTALK TO SB if you have a sharp tongue, you often talk in a way that shows you are angry: Gina’s sharp tongue will get her into trouble one day.4silver tongue literary if you have a silver tongue, you can talk in a way that makes people like you or persuades them that you are right5sharp-tongued/silver-tongued etc able to talk in a very angry or pleasant way: a sharp-tongued young teachertongue6with (your) tongue in (your) cheekJOKING/NOT SERIOUS if you say something with your tongue in your cheek, you say it as a joke, not seriously → tongue-in-cheek7slip of the tongueMISTAKE a small mistake in something you say: Did I say $100? It must have been a slip of the tongue.dobe8bite your tongueSAY to stop yourself saying something because you know it would not be sensible to say it: I wanted to argue, but I had to bite my tongue.wanthave9Cat got your tongue? (also Lost your tongue?) spokenTALK TO SB used to ask someone why they are not talking10get your tongue around something informalSAY to be able to say a difficult word or phrase: I couldn’t get my tongue around the names of the villages we’d visited.namevillagevisit11trip/roll off the tongue informalSAY if a name or phrase trips or rolls off your tongue, it is easy or pleasant to say: Their names trip off the tongue very easily.name12loosen sb’s tongue informalTALK TO SB if something such as alcohol loosens your tongue, it makes you talk a lot: The wine had certainly loosened her tongue.haveloosen13find your tongue informalTALK TO SB to say something after you have been silent for a time because you were afraid or shy: Polly found her tongue at last and told them about the attack.findtell14set tongues waggingTALK TO SB to do something that people will talk about in an unkind way: Angela’s divorce will certainly set tongues wagging.tonguewag15keep a civil tongue in your head old-fashioned spokenPOLITE used to tell someone that they should talk politely to people16speak with forked tongueLIE/TELL A LIE to say things that are not true – used humorously17speak in tongues to talk using strange words as part of a religious experience18language literary a language: Anton lapsed into his own tongue when he was excited.lapsebeexcitemother/native tongue (=the language you learn as a child)She felt more comfortable talking in her native tongue.feeltalk19food [uncountable] the tongue of a cow or sheep, cooked and eaten cold20shape [countable] something that has a long thin shapetongue ofHuge tongues of fire were licking the side of the building.tonguebelickbuild21shoe [countable] the part of a shoe that lies on top of your foot, under the part where you tie it → on the tip of your tongue at tip1(5), → hold your tongue at hold1(29)
tongueverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplestonguetonguestonguedtonguingtonguetongue2 verbVerb form1[intransitive and transitive] to use your tongue to make separate sounds when playing a musical instrument2[transitive] to touch something with your tongue
noun [countable] HOLIDAYsomeone who is visiting a place for pleasure on holiday: Cambridge is always full of tourists in the summer.betouristThe Statue of Liberty is a major tourist attraction.beWhat effect will this have on the local tourist industry?tourist centre/destination/resort etcDurham, with its cathedral and castle, is a popular tourist centre.beCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesforeign tourists Millions of foreign tourists visit the capital every year.touristan American/Japanese etc tourist She saw a crowd of Japanese tourists, cameras at the ready, wandering down the path.seetouristcamerawanderverbstourists visit a place About six million tourists visit the country each year.touristtourists flock to a place (=visit it in large numbers) Tourists have flocked to the area ever since the TV series was filmed there.touristflockbefilmattract/draw tourists They hope to change the image of the city and attract more tourists.touristtourist + NOUNa tourist attraction (=an interesting place for tourists to see or an enjoyable activity for them to do) Yellowstone National Park is a major tourist attraction.bea tourist destination/centre/spot Egypt became a popular tourist destination in the nineteenth century.becomethe tourist industry The tourist industry is booming, with more visitors this year than ever before.beboomvisitorthe tourist season (=the period in a year when large numbers of tourists visit a place) Even in the tourist season the beaches don’t get packed.beachpackphrasesa group/party of tourists The guide was talking to a party of tourists.betalktouristTHESAURUStourist someone who is visiting a place for pleasure on holiday: The hotel is very popular with tourists.betourist | a major tourist destinationtraveller British English, traveler American English someone who travels somewhere: a weary traveller returning home after a long journeyreturn | The building’s luxurious interior will appeal to business travellers.buildtraveller | The strike will affect air travellers.traveller | Paul Theroux, the American traveller, once went from London to India by train.govisitor someone who comes to visit a particular country, area, museum etc: Times Square attracts more than 30 million visitors annually.timeattractvisitorholiday-maker British English, vacationer American English someone who is on holiday somewhere: The beach was packed with holiday-makers.bepackmaker | 75 percent of Alamo's rentals are to vacationers.rentalbevacationersightseer a tourist who is visiting a famous or interesting place: Crowds of sightseers come to London every year.crowdsightseerbackpacker someone who is travelling for pleasure, staying in cheap accommodation and carrying a backpack: a cheap hotel which is used mainly by backpackersbeusebackpacker
noun [countable]Date: 1300-1400Origin: Probably from a Scandinavian language 1a thick piece of wood from a tree:
a roaring log fireroar2RECORDan official record of events, especially on a journey in a ship or plane: The captain always keeps a log.keep3a logarithm → it’s as easy as falling off a log at fall1(30), → sleep like a log/top at sleep1(1)THESAURUSrecord information about something that is written down: your medical recordsrecord | the public records officerecord | I have to keep a record of all my spending when I’m travelling on business.spendtravelfile a set of written records, or information stored on a computer under a particular name: He began reading the file on the case.beginread | I think I may have accidentally deleted the file.deleteaccounts (also books informal) an exact record of the money that a company has received and spent: Companies are required by law to publish their annual accounts.companyberequireaccount | Someone had been falsifying the accounts.havebefalsifyaccount | The company’s books all seemed to be in order.bookseemledger one of the official books in which a company’s financial records are kept, which show how much it has received and spent: The costs have been moved from one column of the ledger to another.costbemoveminutes an official written record of what is said and decided at a meeting: Both points are mentioned in the minutes of the last meeting on August 3rd.pointbementionminutemeetdiary a book in which you regularly write down the things that have happened to you: In his diary he wrote, ‘It s lovely having him here, we’ve had so many cosy talks.’writehavehavetalk | I’ll just check in my diary to see if I’m free.blog a web page on the Internet on which someone regularly writes about their life, opinions, or a particular subject: I may not always agree with David, but I always read his blog.register an official list of names of people, organizations etc: Guests must sign the hotel register.guest | the national register of births, deaths, and marriagesbirthdeathmarriage | Lloyds Register of Shippingshiproll an official list of names, especially of people who are allowed to do something such as vote or be in a class at school: the electoral roll (=list of people who can vote in an area) | The teacher called the roll (=read out the list of the names of the students, who then have to say if they are present).calllog an official record that is kept on a ship or plane: Mr Appleby said he complained to a senior officer, who made a note in the ship’s log.saycomplainmake
logverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Word sets 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesloglogsloggedloggingloglog2 verb (past tense and past participle logged, present participle logging)Verb form1[transitive]RECORD to make an official record of events, facts etc: All phone calls are logged.callbelog2[transitive] to travel a particular distance or for a particular length of time, especially in a plane or ship: The pilot has logged 1200 flying hours.havelogflyhour3[intransitive and transitive] to cut down treeslog in/on phrasal verb to do the necessary actions on a computer system that will allow you to begin using itlog in/on toYou need to log on to your home page.log off/out phrasal verb to stop using a computer system by giving it particular instructions
verbLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: haccian Verb form1[intransitive and transitive]CUT to cut something roughly or violentlyhack (away) at something
She hacked away at the ice, trying to make a hole.hacktryhack something off/down etcWhole forests have been hacked down.forestbehackhack your way through/into somethingHe hacked his way through the undergrowth.hackBoth men had been hacked to death (=killed using large knives).manhavebehack2[intransitive and transitive] to secretly find a way of getting information from someone else’s computer or changing information on ithack intoSomebody hacked into the company’s central database.hackHe managed to hack the code.manage → hacker3can’t hack something informalSTAND/BEAR to feel that you cannot continue to do something that is difficult or boring: I’ve been doing this job for years, but I just can’t hack it any more.bedoyear4[intransitive always + adverb/preposition] British English to ride a horse along roads or through the country5[intransitive] to cough in a loud unpleasant wayhack somebody off phrasal verb British English informal to annoy someone: His attitude really hacks me off!hack
hacknounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2Word sets 1 2 3 4 5 6 7Other dictionary examplesCorpus exampleshackhackshackhack2 /hæk/ noun [countable]Date: 1700-1800Origin: hackney ‘horse for ordinary riding’; → HACKNEYED 1a writer who does a lot of low-quality work, especially writing newspaper articles:
A Sunday newspaper hack uncovered the story.uncover2an unimportant politician: The meeting was attended by the usual old party hacks.meetbeattendhack3a way of using a computer to get into someone else’s computer system without their permission4American English informal a taxi, or a taxi driver5CUTan act of hitting something roughly with a cutting tool: One more hack and the branch was off.be6an old tired horse7a horse you can pay money to ride on8British English a ride on a horse: a long hack across the fieldsfieldTHESAURUSjournalist someone who writes for a newspaper or magazine: She worked as a journalist on the New York Times.worktime | I've always wanted to be a journalist.wantreporter someone whose job is to find out about news stories and ask questions for a newspaper, television or radio company etc: A crowd of reporters were waiting outside the house all night.reporterbewait | He told reporters that he had no intention of resigning.tellreporterhaveresigncorrespondent someone who writes news articles or does reports about a particular subject, especially a serious one, for a newspaper or news organization: our economics correspondent | a war correspondent | He was the BBC's correspondent in Moscow.becolumnist someone who writes articles, especially about a particular subject, that appear regularly in a newspaper or magazine: an influential financial columnist | a gossip columnisthack informal a disapproving word for a journalist, especially one whose work is of low quality: The editor sent one of his hacks to interview the murderer’s girlfriend.sendhacknewsman/woman (also newspaperman/woman) a general word for someone who works for a newspaper, especially a reporter or editor: an experienced newspapermanexperiencethe press newspapers and journalists in general: The press always like a good story about the royal family. | the right-wing pressFleet Street the British press. This phrase comes from the street in London, where many newspapers used to have their offices: Relations between the government and Fleet Street aren't as cosy as they once were.relationbe
adjectiveWord family1UNDER/BELOWbelow the surface of the earth: an underground passageThe car park is underground.be2[only before noun]SECRET an underground group, organization etc is secret and illegal: an underground terrorist organization3[only before noun] underground literature, newspapers etc are read by a small number of people, and would seem slightly strange or shocking to most people: the underground pressTHESAURUSsecret known about by only a few people, who have agreed not to tell anyone else: a secret meeting placemeet | The details of the proposal must remain secret.detailconfidential used about information, especially in business or government, that is secret and not intended to be shown or told to other people: a highly confidential report | Employees’ personal details are treated as strictly confidential.employeedetailbetreatclassified used about information that the government has ordered to be kept secret from most people: He was accused of passing on classified information to the Russians in the 1950s.beaccusepassclassifysensitive used about information that is kept secret because there would be problems if the wrong people knew it: A teenager managed to hack into sensitive US Air Force files.managefilecovert [only before noun] used about things that are done secretly, especially by a government or official organization: a CIA covert operationundercover [usually before noun] used about things that are done secretly by the police in order to catch criminals or find out information: Detectives arrested the suspect after a five-day undercover operation.detectivearrestunderground an underground organization or newspaper is one that operates or is produced secretly and opposes the government: Her father was a member of the underground resistance movement in France during World War II.beclandestine /klænˈdestən, klænˈdestɪn/ secret and often illegal or immoral: clandestine meetingsmeeting | his involvement in a clandestine operation to sell arms to Iranarm | a clandestine love affairhush-hush informal used about information or activities that are kept officially secret: He was put in charge of some hush-hush military project.be | I’ve no idea what he does – it’s all very hush-hush.do
undergroundadverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesundergroundundergroundun‧der‧ground2 /ˌʌndəˈɡraʊnd $ -ər-/ adverbWord family1UNDER/BELOWunder the earth’s surface: This animal spends most of its life underground.spendnuclear waste buried deep undergroundbury2go undergroundSECRET to start doing something secretly, or hide in a secret place: The ANC was forced to go underground when its leaders were arrested.beforceleaderbearrest
undergroundnounCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryCorpus examplesundergroundundergroundsundergroundun‧der‧ground3 /ˈʌndəɡraʊnd $ -ər-/ nounWord family the Underground a)British English a railway system under the ground SYN subway American English b)SECRETan illegal group working in secret against the rulers of a country
noun [countable]
Word familyDate: 1400-1500Language: Old North French
Origin: trique, from trikier ‘to deceive, cheat’, from Old French trichier 1something that deceives somebodyTRICK/DECEIVE something you do in order to deceive someone:
Pretending he doesn’t remember is an old trick of his.pretendbeHe didn’t really lose his wallet – that’s just a trick.2jokeJOKE something you do to surprise someone and to make other people laugh: I’m getting tired of your silly tricks.gettiretrickThe girls were playing tricks on their teacher.girlbeplaytrick3something that makes things appear different something that makes things appear to be different from the way they really are: After walking for hours in the hot sun, his mind began playing tricks on him.walkhourbeginplaytrickAt first he thought someone was coming towards him, but it was just a trick of the light.thinkbecomebe4a dirty/rotten/mean trickUNFAIR an unkind or unfair thing to do: He didn’t turn up? What a dirty trick!5do the trick spokenSOLVE/DEAL WITH A PROBLEM if something does the trick, it solves a problem or provides what is needed to get a good result: A bit more flour should do the trick.biteshall6magic a skilful set of actions that seem like magic, done to entertain people: My uncle was always showing me card tricks when I was a kid.beshowtrickbea magic trick7clever methodSUCCEED IN DOING STH a way of doing something that works very well but may not be easy to notice: The trick is to bend your knees as you catch the ball.bekneea salesman who knew all the tricks of the trade (=clever methods used in a particular job)knowtrick8use/try every trick in the bookTRY TO DO OR GET STH to use every method that you know, even dishonest ones, to achieve what you want9teach/show somebody a trick or two informalINTELLIGENT used to say that someone knows more than someone else or can do something better than them: Experienced teachers can show new teachers a trick or two.experienceteacherteacher10somebody is up to their (old) tricks informalDISHONEST to be doing the same dishonest things that you have often done before11cards the cards played or won in one part of a game of cards: He won the first three tricks easily.wintrick12habit have a trick of doing somethingUSUALLY British English to have a habit of using a particular expression or of moving your face or body in a particular way: She had this trick of raising her eyebrows at the end of a question.haveraiseeyebrow13never miss a trick spokenKNOW STH to always know exactly what is happening even if it does not concern you: Dave’s found out. He never misses a trick, does he?.findmissdo14how’s tricks? old-fashioned spokenHELLO used to greet someone in a friendly way: Hello, Bill! How’s tricks?trick15sex American English old-fashioned informalSEX/HAVE SEX WITH someone who pays a prostitute to have sexturn a trick (=to have sex with someone for money) → confidence trick, → dirty trick at dirty1(6), → you can’t teach an old dog new tricks at teach(7), → hat trick
trickverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplestricktrickstrickedtrickingtricktrick2 verb [transitive]Word familyVerb form1TRICK/DECEIVECHEATto deceive someone in order to get something from them or to make them do something: She knew she’d been tricked, but it was too late.knowbetrickbetrick somebody into doing somethingHe claimed he was tricked into carrying drugs.claimbetrickcarrydrugtrick somebody out of somethingThe corporation was tricked out of $20 million.betricktrick your way into/past/onto etc somethingHe tricked his way into her home by pretending to be a policeman.trickpretend2be tricked out with/in something British English literaryDECORATE to be decorated with something: a hat tricked out with ribbonstrickribbonTHESAURUSdeceive especially written to make someone who trusts you believe something that is not true: This was a deliberate attempt to deceive the public.betrick to make someone believe something that is not true, in order to get something from them or make them do something: A man posing as an insurance agent had tricked her out of thousands of dollars.posehavetrickdollarfool to make someone believe something that is not true by using a clever but simple trick: His hairpiece doesn’t fool anyone.mislead to make people believe something that is not true, by deliberately not giving them all the facts, or by saying something that is only partly true: The company was accused of misleading customers about the nutritional value of the product.beaccusemisleadcustomerdupe informal to trick or deceive someone, especially so that they become involved in someone else’s dishonest activity without realizing it: The spies duped government and military officials alike.spydupeofficialcon informal to trick someone, especially by telling them something that is not true: I’m pretty good at judging people; I didn’t think he was trying to con me.judgebetry
trickadjectiveCollocations from other entriesActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplestricktricktrick3 adjectiveWord family1trick photography when a photograph or picture has been changed so that it looks different from what was really there2a trick questionASK A QUESTION a question which seems easy to answer but has a hidden difficulty3a trick knee/ankle/shoulder etc American English a joint that is weak and can suddenly cause you problems
verb
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: cracian Verb form1BREAKbreak [intransitive and transitive]BREAK to break or to make something break, either so that it gets lines on its surface, or so that it breaks into pieces:
Don’t put boiling water in the glass or it will crack.boilConcrete is liable to crack in very cold weather.beHe picked up a piece of rock and cracked it in half.pickcrackShe fell and cracked a bone in her leg.fallcrackHe cracked a couple of eggs into a pan.crackegg2LOUD SOUNDsound [intransitive and transitive] to make a quick loud sound like the sound of something breaking, or to make something do this: Thunder cracked overhead.crackHe cracked his whip and galloped off.crackgallopDennis rubbed his hands together and cracked his knuckles.rubhandcrackknuckle3HIT STHhit [transitive]HIT to hit someone or something hardcrack something on somethingI slipped and cracked my head on the door.slipcrackShe cracked him over the head with a hammer.crack4LOSE CONTROLnot be able to continue [intransitive]CRAZY to be unable to continue doing something because there is too much pressure and you do not have the mental strength to continuecrack underSome young executives crack under the pressure of having to meet tough sales targets every month.executivehavesaletargetHe cracked under interrogation and confessed.crackconfess5VOICEvoice [intransitive]EMOTIONAL if your voice cracks, it starts to sound different because you are feeling strong emotions: His voice cracked slightly as he tried to explain.cracktry6SOLVEsolve/understand [transitive] to find the answer to a problem or manage to understand something that is difficult to understand SYN solve: I think we’ve cracked the problem of the computer crashing all the time.crackcrashIt took them nearly two months to crack the code.takemonthThis new evidence could help detectives to crack the case.candetective7stop somebody [transitive] informalDESTROY to stop a person from being successful: Political enemies have tried to crack me.enemytry8open a safeSTEAL [transitive]STEAL to open a safe illegally in order to steal the things inside it9computer [transitive] to illegally copy computer software or change free software which may lack certain features of the full version, so that the free software works in the same way as the full version: You can find out how to crack any kind of software on the web.10crack it British English informalSUCCEED IN DOING STH to manage to do something successfully: I think we’ve cracked it!crackHe seems to have got it cracked.seemgetcrack11crack a jokeJOKE to tell a joke: He kept cracking jokes about my appearance.keepcrackjoke12crack a smile to smile, usually only slightly or unwillingly: Even Mr Motts managed to crack a smile at that joke.manage13crack open a bottle British English informalOPEN to open a bottle of alcohol for drinking: We cracked open a few bottles.crackbottle14get cracking informalFAST/QUICK to start doing something or going somewhere quickly: I think we need to get cracking if we’re going to catch this train.crackgo15crack the whip informalWORK HARD to make people work very hard16something is not all/everything it’s cracked up to be informalDISAPPOINTED used to say that something is not as good as people say it is: I thought the film was OK, but it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.thinkbecrackcrack down phrasal verb STRICTto become more strict in dealing with a problem and punishing the people involvedcrack down onThe government is determined to crack down on terrorism.bedetermineThe police are cracking down hard on violent crime.becrack → crackdownTHESAURUSto become brokenbreak verb [intransitive] to become damaged and separate into pieces: Plastic breaks quite easily.breaksmash verb [intransitive] to break after being hit with a lot of force: The bowl smashed as it hit the floor.smashshatter verb [intransitive] to break into a lot of small pieces: The glass shattered all over the pavement.shattercrack verb [intransitive] if something cracks, a line appears on the surface, which means that it could later break into separate pieces: The ice was starting to crack.bestartburst verb [intransitive] if a tyre, balloon, pipe etc bursts, it gets a hole and air or liquid suddenly comes out of it: She blew up the balloon until it burst.blowsplit verb [intransitive] to break in a straight line: The damp had caused the wood to split.havecausecrumble verb [intransitive] to break into a powder or a lot of small pieces: The cork just crumbled in my hand.crumblecrack into something phrasal verb to secretly enter someone else’s computer system, especially in order to damage the system or steal the information stored on it → hack: A teenager was accused of cracking into the company’s network.beaccusecrackcrack on phrasal verb British English informal WORK HARDto continue working hard at something in order to finish itcrack on withI need to crack on with my project work this weekend.crack up phrasal verb informal1crack (somebody) upCONTROL to laugh a lot at something, or to make someone laugh a lot: Everyone in the class just cracked up.crackShe’s so funny. She cracks me up.crack2CONTROLto become unable to think or behave sensibly because you have too many problems or too much work: I was beginning to think I was cracking up!bebeginbecrack
cracknounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2Word sets 1 2 3Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescrackcrackscrackcrack2 noun
1THIN SPACEOPENgap [countable] a very narrow space between two things or two parts of somethingcrack betweenHe squeezed into a crack between two rocks.squeezerockcrack inHe could see them through a crack in the door.canShe opened the door a crack and peeped into the room.openpeep2BREAKBREAKbreak [countable] a thin line on the surface of something when it is broken but has not actually come apartcrack inThere were several small cracks in the glass.becrack3weakness [countable] a weakness or fault in an idea, system, or organizationcrack inThe cracks in their relationship were starting to show.crackbestartThe first cracks are beginning to appear in the economic policy.crackbebegin4sound [countable] a sudden loud sound like the sound of a stick being brokenloud/sharp crackThere was a sharp crack as the branch broke off.bebreakcrack ofWe could hear the crack of gunfire in the distance.cana crack of thunder5JOKE/REMARKjoke [countable] informal a clever joke or rude remarkcrack aboutI didn’t like his crack about her being overweight.beHe’s always making cracks about how stupid I am.makecrackbe6CHANCE/OPPORTUNITYattempt [countable] informal an attempt to do something SYN shotcrack atI’d like a crack at climbing that mountain.climbThe competition’s open to anyone – why don’t you have a crack?7DRUGdrug [uncountable] an illegal drug that some people take for pleasure: crack addictsaddict8body [countable] informal the space between someone’s buttocks9a crack on the headHIT a hard hit on the head: You’ve had a nasty crack on the head and you need to rest.have10a crack in sb’s voiceEMOTIONAL a change in someone’s voice because they are feeling very upset: He noticed the crack in her voice as she tried to continue.noticetry11the crack of dawnEARLY very early in the morningat the crack of dawnWe were up at the crack of dawn.be12computer [countable] a piece of information or computer code that lets you illegally change free software which may lack certain features of the full version, so that the free software works in the same way as the full version13a fair crack of the whip British English informal the same chance as other people to do something: They feel they haven’t been given a fair crack of the whip.begive14another spelling of craicTHESAURUShole an empty space in the surface of something, which sometimes goes all the way through it: A fox had dug a hole under our fence.havedig | Rain was coming in through a hole in the roof.becomespace an empty area between two things, into which you can put something: Are there any empty spaces on the bookshelf?bespace | a parking spaceparkgap an empty area between two things or two parts of something, especially one that should not be there: He has a gap between his two front teeth.havetooth | I squeezed through a gap in the hedge.squeezeopening a hole that something can pass through or that you can see through, especially at the entrance of something: The train disappeared into the dark opening of the tunnel.disappearopen | I looked through the narrow opening in the wall.lookopenleak a small hole where something has been damaged or broken that lets liquid or gas flow in or out: a leak in the pipe | The plumber's coming to repair the leak.comepuncture especially British English a small hole in a tyre through which air escapes: My bike's got a puncture.getcrack a very narrow space between two things or two parts of something: The snake slid into a crack in the rock.slide | She was peering through the crack in the curtains.bepeercurtainslot a straight narrow hole that you put a particular type of object into: You have to put a coin in the slot before you dial the number.numb | A small disk fits into a slot in the camera.fitcrater a round hole in the ground made by an explosion or by a large object hitting it hard: a volcanic crater | The meteor left a crater over five miles wide.leavemil | the craters on the mooncrater
crackadjectiveCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescrackcrackcrack3 adjective [only before noun]1GOOD/EXCELLENTwith a lot of experience and skill: crack troopstroopa crack regimenta crack sportsman2crack shotSHOOT someone who is able to shoot a weapon very well and hit the thing they are aiming at
noun [countable]Word family1REMIND/MAKE SB REMEMBERsomething that makes you notice, remember, or think about somethingreminder ofa reminder of the dangers of drinking and drivingdangerdrinkdrivereminder thatOccasional bursts of gunfire are a reminder that the rebels are still active.burstberebelbeconstant/painful/vivid etc reminderThe damaged church was preserved as a stark reminder of the horrors of war.damagebepreservehorrorThe drop in stock prices serves as a reminder (=is a reminder) that investing is a form of gambling.priceserveinvestbegamble2REMIND/MAKE SB REMEMBERsomething, for example a letter, that reminds you to do something which you might have forgotten: a reminder from the dentist for your check-upCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesa constant/permanent reminder (=that makes you think about something all the time) Peter's letters to me are a constant reminder of the happiness we shared.letterbesharea timely reminder (=a useful reminder of something important) This is a timely reminder to people that they should be careful with strangers.beshallstrangera salutary reminder (=one that teaches you something) The earthquake in China is a salutary reminder of how fragile human existence can be.bea painful/uncomfortable reminder This violence is a painful reminder that peace is still a long way away.bebea stark/sharp reminder (=strong or unpleasant) This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers police officers face every day.bedangerofficera vivid reminder (=strong) Their performance was a vivid reminder of just why this band has remained so successful.behaveremaina powerful/potent reminder The soldiers' deaths are a powerful reminder of the price we pay for freedom.soldierdeathbea poignant reminder (=making you feel sad) I see Kathy's death as a poignant reminder that we sometimes really are powerless.bea grim/sobering/chilling reminder (=making you feel serious and worried or frightened) They passed the armed guard, a grim reminder of the ever-present threat of terrorism.passarma gentle reminder It was meant to be a gentle reminder rather than a criticism.bemeanverbsserve as/act as a reminder (=be a reminder) The photograph will serve as a lovely reminder of your visit.provide/offer a reminder The case has provided a chilling reminder of how violently some people react to foreigners.haveprovidechillforeigner
verb
Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: trailler ‘to pull after you, tow’, from Vulgar Latin tragulare, from Latin tragula ‘sledge, net for pulling’ Verb form1pull [intransitive and transitive]PULL to pull something behind you, especially along the ground, or to be pulled in this way:
A plane trailing a banner was circling overhead.trailbecircletrail in/on/over etcShe walked slowly along the path, her skirt trailing in the mud.walktrailtrail something in/across/through etc somethingRees was leaning out of the boat trailing his hand through the water.beleantrail2walk slowly [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]WALK to walk slowly, especially behind other people because you are tired or boredtrail behind/aroundSusie trailed along behind her parents.trailparentWe spent the afternoon trailing around the shops.spendtrailshop3lose a competition [intransitive, transitive usually in progressive]LOSE A GAME, COMPETITION, OR WAR to be losing in a game, competition, or election: The Democratic candidate is still trailing in the opinion polls.betrailpolltrail (somebody) by somethingManchester United were trailing by two goals to one.unitebetrailgoaltrail in/home (=finish in a bad position)He trailed in last after a disastrous race.trail4follow somebody [transitive]FOLLOW to follow someone by looking for signs that they have gone in a particular direction: Police trailed the gang for several days.traildaytrail away/off phrasal verb STOP DOING STHif someone’s voice trails away or trails off, it becomes gradually quieter and then stops: She trailed off, silenced by the look Kris gave her.trailsilencegive
trailnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplestrailtrailstrailtrail2 noun [countable]1ROAD/PATHa rough path across countryside or through a forest: The trail led over Boulder Pass before descending to a lake.leaddescend → nature trail2a long line or a series of marks that have been left by someone or somethingtrail ofa trail of wet footprintsfootprintThe bus left a trail of black smoke behind it.leaveThe typhoon left a trail of devastation.leave3a series of unpleasant situations or feelings that have been left by someone or somethingtrail ofHe left a trail of broken hearts and broken promises.leavebreakheartbreakpromise4FOLLOWa sign that a person or animal has been in a place, used for finding or catching them: The hunters lost the tiger’s trail in the middle of the jungle.hunterlosePolice tracked him to Valencia and there the trail went cold (=they could not find any signs of him).trackgo5be on the trail of somebody/something to be trying to find someone or something by getting information about them: industrial spies on the trail of technological secretsspysecretPolice believe they are hot on the trail of a drug-smuggling gang (=they are close to finding them).besmuggle6all the places that a particular group of people visit for a particular purpose: a town on the tourist trailcampaign/election trailpoliticians on the campaign trailpolitician7the set of things that someone does to achieve something: New players should put the team back on the winning trail.playershallwin → blaze a trail at blaze2(5), → hit the trail/road at hit1(17)
noun
Date: 1600-1700Language: French
Origin: Latin tubus 1pipe for liquid [countable] a round pipe made of metal, glass, rubber etc, especially for liquids or gases to go through → inner tube, test tube2[countable] a long hollow object that is usually round:
pasta tubestubea toilet roll tube3container [countable] a narrow container made of plastic or soft metal and closed at one end, that you press between your fingers in order to push out the soft substance that is inside: a tube of toothpaste4in your body [countable] a tube-shaped part inside your body: the bronchial tubestube5trains the tube British English the system of trains that run under the ground in London SYN subway American Englishtake/catch the tubeTake the tube to Acton.a tube stationby tubeIt’s best to travel by tube.well6go down the tubes informalWORSE if a situation goes down the tubes, it quickly becomes ruined or spoiled: When Moira turned up, Tess could see all her good work going down the tubes.turncangotube7television the tube American English spokenTELEVISION/RADIO the television: What’s on the tube tonight?8electrical equipment [countable] technical the part of a television that produces the picture on the screen SYN cathode ray tube
tubeverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriestubetubestubedtubingtubetube2 verb [intransitive]Verb form to float on a river on a large inner tube for fun
noun [countable]
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: træppe, treppe
1for animalsCATCH a piece of equipment for catching animals: The only way to catch mice is to set a trap.mousebeHe stepped into a bear trap covered in snow.stepcover → mousetrap2clever trickTRICK/DECEIVE a clever trick that is used to catch someone or to make them do or say something that they did not intend tolay/set a trap (for somebody)Mr Smith has walked straight into a trap laid by the Tories.havewalklayfall/walk into a trapPolice had set a trap for hooligans at the match.havehooligan3bad situationUNPLEASANTESCAPE an unpleasant or difficult situation that is difficult to escape from: Amanda felt that marriage was a trap.feelbedebt/unemployment etc trappeople caught in the unemployment trapcatch4fall into/avoid the trap of doing somethingMISTAKE to do something that seems good at the time but is not sensible or wise, or to avoid doing this: Don’t fall into the trap of investing all your money in one place.invest5keep your trap shut spokenQUIET a rude way of telling someone to not say anything about things that are secret: Just keep your trap shut.6shut your trap! spokenQUIET a rude way of telling someone to stop talking7vehicle a vehicle with two wheels, pulled by a horse8sport American English sandtrap SYN bunker British English9dog race a special gate from which a greyhound is set free at the beginning of a race → booby trap, death trap, → poverty trap at poverty(3), → speed trap, tourist trap
trapverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplestraptrapstrappedtrappingtraptrap2 verb (past tense and past participle trapped, present participle trapping) [transitive]
Verb form1in a dangerous place [usually passive]PREVENT to prevent someone from escaping from somewhere, especially a dangerous place: Twenty miners were trapped underground.minerbetrapDozens of people were trapped in the rubble when the building collapsed.betrapbuildcollapseThere’s no way out! We’re trapped!trap2in a bad situation be/feel trappedESCAPE to be in a bad situation from which you cannot escapebe/feel trapped inJulia felt trapped in her role of wife and mother.feeltrap3animalCATCH to catch an animal or bird using a trap4catch somebodyCATCH to catch someone by forcing them into a place from which they cannot escape: The police trapped the terrorists at a roadblock.trapterrorist5trickTRICK/DECEIVE to trick someone so that you make them do or say something that they did not intend totrap somebody into (doing) somethingI was trapped into signing a confession.betrapsign6crushSQUASH British English to get a part of your body crushed between two objects SYN pinch American English: Mind you don’t trap your fingers in the door.fingerpain from a trapped nervetrap7gas/water etcKEEP/STORE to prevent something such as gas or water from getting away: solar panels that trap the sun’s heatpanelTHESAURUScatch to stop someone who is trying to escape, especially by running after them and then holding them: He raced after her, but he couldn’t catch her.race | The police caught the bank robbers after a car chase through the city.catchrobberarrest if the police arrest someone, they take him or her to a police station because they think that person has done something illegal: Wayne was arrested for dangerous driving.bearrestdrive | The police arrested him and charged him with murder.arrestchargeapprehend formal if the police apprehend someone they think has done something illegal, they catch him or her: The two men were later apprehended after they robbed another store.manbelateapprehendrob | The killers were never apprehended.killerbeapprehend | All of the kidnappers were apprehended and convicted.beapprehendconvictcapture to catch an enemy or a criminal in order to keep them as a prisoner: The French king was captured by the English at the battle of Poitiers in 1356.becapture | The gunmen were finally captured after a shoot-out with the police.gunmanbecapturetake somebody prisoner to catch someone, especially in a war, in order to keep them as a prisoner: 350 soldiers were killed and another 300 taken prisoner.soldierbekilltake | Ellison was taken prisoner by the Germans during the retreat to Dunkirk.betaketrap to make someone go to a place from which they cannot escape, especially by using your skill and intelligence: Police trapped the man inside a bar on the city’s southside.trapcorner to force someone into a place from which they cannot escape: He was cornered outside the school by three gang members.becornermember
noun
Sense 1,4-5:Date: 1400-1500
Origin: Probably from Old Norse typpiSense 2-3, 8-9:
Date: 1600-1700
Origin: Perhaps from tip ‘light blow’ (15-21 centuries), perhaps from Low German tippen ‘to hit lightly’Sense 6-7:
Date: 1800-1900
Origin: tip 1end [countable]END/POINT the end of something, especially something pointedtip of
He kissed the tip of her nose.kissthe southern tip of South Americalights on the wing tips of aeroplaneslighttipaeroplane → fingertip(1)2money [countable]PAY SB FOR WORK a small amount of additional money that you give to someone such as a waiter or a taxi driver: Did you leave a tip?dolarge/generous/big tipI gave the guy a big tip.givea $5 tip3advice [countable]ADVISE a helpful piece of advice: Perhaps she could give us a few tips.cantiptip on/forThis week's magazine has some tips on healthy eating.havetipeathandy tip (=useful tip)handy tips for decorating a small flattipdecorategardening tipsgardentip4the tip of the icebergPROBLEM a small sign of a problem that is much larger: The reported cases of food poisoning are only the tip of the iceberg.reportcasepoisonbe5on the tip of your tongue a)if something is on the tip of your tongue, you really want to say it, but then you decide not to: It was on the tip of my tongue to say, ‘I’d rather have dinner with a snake.’be b)if a word, name etc is on the tip of your tongue, you know it but cannot remember it: What is her name? It’s on the tip of my tongue. Joan. Joan Simpson. That’s it!be6waste [countable] British English an area where unwanted waste is taken and left SYN dump: a rubbish tipI’ll take this lot to the tip.7untidy [singular] British English informalUNTIDY an extremely dirty or untidy place: The house was an absolute tip.be8horse race [countable] informalINFORMATION special information about which horse will win a race9warning [countable] a secret warning or piece of information, especially to police about illegal activities: Acting on a tip, the police were able to find and arrest Upton.actbeCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2verbsleave a tip Aren’t you going to leave a tip?gogive somebody a tip Kim gave the driver a tip.giveadjectivesa big/large/generous tip The service was great and we left a large tip.beleavea 5%/10% etc tip A 15% tip is customary in restaurants.berestauranta £2/$5 tip He gave the waitress a $10 tip.giveCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 3verbsgive somebody a tip He gave me some tips on how to improve my game.givetippass on a tip The writer passes on many tips that she has learned over the years.passtiphavelearnyearfollow a tip To keep your bike in good condition, follow these simple tips.tippick up a tip If you listen to the show, you’ll pick up some really useful gardening tips.gardentipADJECTIVES/NOUN + tipa good/useful/helpful/handy tip Go to their website to find useful tips on buying and selling a home.tipbuysella simple tip He has some simple tips for saving money when you're at the supermarket.havetipsavecooking tips Most recipes come with added cooking tips.recipeaddcooktipgardening tips Marie was always willing to share her gardening tips.bewillgardentipbeauty tips The article contains some useful beauty tips.containtipsafety tips Ensure the safety of your family with a few simple safety tips from the Fire Service.tip
tipverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4 5 6Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplestiptipstippedtippingtiptip2 S3 verb (past tense and past participle tipped, present participle tipping)
Verb form1lean [intransitive and transitive]VERTICAL to move into a sloping position, so that one end or side is higher than the other, or to make something do this SYN tilttip forward/back/to etcHis helmet had tipped forward and the boy pushed it back.havetippushEric fell asleep, his head gently tipping to one side.falltiptip something forward/back etc‘So what?’ asked Brian, tipping his chair back on its rear legs.asktipleg2pour [transitive always + adverb/preposition]POUR to pour something from one place or container into anothertip something onto/into somethingTip the onions and oil into a large ovenproof dish.onionBen tipped the contents of the drawer onto the table.tipcontenttip something outShall I tip the water out?3give money [intransitive and transitive]PAY SB FOR WORK to give an additional amount of money to someone such as a waiter or taxi driver: Did you tip the waiter?dotip somebody somethingI tipped him $5.tip4be likely to succeed [transitive usually passive]ADVISE if someone or something is tipped to do something, people think that they are most likely to succeed in doing ittip somebody/something to do somethingthe man tipped to become the next Presidenttiptip somebody for/as somethingHe’s tipped as a future world champion.tipwidely/strongly/hotly tippedHe had been widely tipped to get the new post of deputy director.havebetip5gold-tipped/steel-tipped/rubber-tipped etc having a tip that is made of or covered with gold, steel etc: a silver-tipped walking sticktipwalk6tip the balance/scalesADVANTAGE to give a slight advantage to someone or something: Three factors helped to tip the balance in favour of the Labour leadership.factorhelp7tip the scales at something to weigh a particular amount, used especially of someone who will be taking part in a sports competition: At today’s weigh-in he tipped the scales at just over 15 stone.tipscale8it’s tipping (it) down British English spoken said when it is raining very heavily: It was absolutely tipping it down.betip9be tipped with somethingCOVER to have one end covered in something: arrows tipped with poisonarrowtipred petals tipped with whitepetaltip10tip your hat/cap (to somebody)THINK/HAVE THE OPINION THAT a)to touch or raise your hat as a greeting to someone b)American English to say or do something that shows you admire what someone has done11tip somebody the wink British English informalTELL A SECRET to give someone secret informationtip somebody ↔ off phrasal verb TELLWARNto give someone such as the police a secret warning or piece of information, especially about illegal activities: The police must have been tipped off.betiptip somebody off thatHis contact had tipped him off that drugs were on the premises.havetipdrugbepremisetip somebody ↔ off aboutDid you tip him off about Bernard?dotip over phrasal verb if you tip something over, or if it tips over, it falls or turns over: The candle tipped over and the hay caught fire.tipcatchtip something ↔ overThe current was starting to tip the canoe over and I began to panic.bestartbegintip up phrasal verb if you tip something up, or if it tips up, it moves into a sloping position, so that one end or side is higher than the othertip something ↔ upHe tipped the bottle up so that the last of the liquid flowed into his glass.tipflowKen tipped up the wheelbarrow, then stood back to rest.tipstandTHESAURUSpour to make a liquid or other substance flow out of or into a container by holding it at an angle: Jessica was pouring more wine into her glass.bepour | He poured me a drink.pour | Raj poured some water from the jug.pourdrizzle to pour a liquid onto food in small drops or in a small stream – often used in cooking instructions: Drizzle a little olive oil onto the bread. | Drizzle the lemon juice over the cake.tip to pour something out of a container by turning it upside down: He tipped the cup of milk into the pan.tip | She weighed out the flour and tipped it into the bowl.weightipspill to accidentally make a liquid or other substance come out of a container: Someone had spilled coffee all over the carpet.havespill | The tanker was leaking, and spilled oil into the sea.beleakspillsplash to pour a liquid quickly in an irregular stream: Tony hurriedly splashed some cream in his coffee.splash | Someone had splashed petrol over the steps and set light to them.havesplashstep | She splashed some perfume onto her wrists.splashwristdecant to pour liquid from one container into another container – a rather formal use: Rachel decanted the shampoo into small bottles for travelling.decantbottletravel | He often decanted cheap whisky into bottles of more expensive brands.decantbottlebrand
noun [countable]Word family SELLsomeone who buys and sells goods or stocks → retailersmall/local tradera small trader who sells hats in Oxfordsellhatbond/currency/commodity etc traderTo the surprise of many Wall Street traders, the dollar rose yesterday.traderrise
verb [transitive]
Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: tracier, from Vulgar Latin tractiare ‘to pull’, from Latin trahere Verb form1find somebody/somethingFIND to find someone or something that has disappeared by searching for them carefully:
She had given up all hope of tracing her missing daughter.havegivetracemissPolice are trying to trace a young woman who was seen near the accident.betrybesee2originsFIND OUT to find the origins of when something began or where it came fromtrace something (back) to somethingThey’ve traced their ancestry to Scotland.traceThe style of these paintings can be traced back to early medieval influences.paintingtraceinfluence3history/developmentDESCRIBE to study or describe the history, development, or progress of something: Sondheim’s book traces the changing nature of the relationship between men and women.tracechangemanwoman4copy to copy a drawing, map etc by putting a piece of transparent paper over it and then drawing the lines you can see through the paper5with your fingerDRAW to draw real or imaginary lines on the surface of something, usually with your finger or toetrace something on/in/acrossRosie’s fingers traced a delicate pattern in the sand.fingertrace6trace a call to find out where a telephone call is coming from by using special electronic equipment: His call was traced and half an hour later police arrested him.betracelatearrest—traceabletraceable adjective
tracenounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4Word sets 1 2Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplestracetracestracetrace2 AC noun
Word familySense 1-4:Date: 1200-1300
Language: Old French
Origin: tracier; → TRACE1Sense 5:
Date: 1300-1400
Language: Old French
Origin: trais ‘traces’, plural of trait ‘pull, trace’; → TRAIT 1sign of something [uncountable and countable]DISAPPEAR a small sign that shows that someone or something was present or existed:
There was no trace of anyone having entered the room since then.behaveenterPetra’s lost all trace of her German accent.loseOfficers were unable to find any trace of drugs.officerbedrugdisappear/vanish/sink without (a) trace (=disappear completely, without leaving any sign of what happened)The plane vanished without a trace.vanish2small amount [countable]LITTLE/NOT MUCH a very small amount of a quality, emotion, substance etc that is difficult to see or noticetrace ofI saw the faintest trace of a smile cross Sandra’s face.seefainttraces of poisontrace3telephone [countable] technical a search to find out where a telephone call came from, using special electronic equipment: The police put a trace on the call.4information recorded [countable] technical the mark or pattern made on a screen or on paper by a machine that is recording an electrical signal: This trace shows the heartbeat.show5cart/carriage [countable] one of the two pieces of leather, rope etc by which a cart or carriage is fastened to an animal pulling it → kick over the traces at kick1(19)
noun [uncountable and countable]1a particular type of clothing worn by all the members of a group or organization such as the police, the army etcschool/army/police etc uniformHe was still wearing his school uniform.bewear2in uniform a)wearing a uniform: He was on duty and in uniform.be b)in the Army, Navy etc: my 33 years in uniformyear
uniformadjectiveCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesuniformuniformeruniformestuniformuniform2 AC adjectiveDate: 1500-1600Language: French
Origin: uniforme, from Latin uniformis, from uni- + -formis (from forma ‘form’) SAMEbeing the same in all its parts or among all its members:
Grade A eggs must be of uniform size.egg—uniformlyuniformly adverb
nounDate: 1500-1600Origin: Probably from a Scandinavian language 1[uncountable and countable] cloudy air near the ground which is difficult to see through SYN mistthick/dense/freezing fog
We got lost in the thick fog.getloseIt will be a cold night, and there may be fog patches.patchA blanket of fog covered the fields.coverfieldThe fog lifted (=disappeared) in the afternoon.lift2[singular] informalCONFUSED a state in which you feel confused and cannot think clearly: My mind was in a fog.befog ofthe fog of tirednessCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + fogthick/dense/heavy fog (=great in amount and difficult to see through) The two lorries collided in heavy fog.lorrycollidefreezing fog Flights were cancelled due to freezing fog.flightbecancelfreezeswirling fog (=which blows around) She could not see through the swirling fog.canswirlpatchy fog (=in some areas but not in others) Mist and patchy fog will form tonight.hill/sea/ground fog Rain was forecast, along with hill fog.beverbsbe covered in fog The mountains were covered in fog.mountainbecoverbe shrouded in fog literary The streets of London were shrouded in fog.streetbeshroudthe fog comes down (also the fog descends literary) (=it appears) Day after day the fog came down.comethe fog rolls in (=it arrives from the mountains, the sea etc) The fog rolled in from the ocean.rollthe fog lifts (=it disappears) He sat and waited for the fog to lift.sitwaitphrasesa blanket of fog (=a large area of fog) A blanket of fog lay over the town.liea bank of fog (also a fog bank) (=a large mass of fog) As we approached the coast, we ran into a dense bank of fog.approachrunpatches of fog (=fog that forms in some places but not in others) Patches of fog are expected later today.patchbeexpectlateTHESAURUScloud noun [uncountable and countable] a white or grey mass in the sky that forms from very small drops of water: The storm was still a way off but black clouds were gathering.becloudbegather | Thick cloud obscured the top of the hill.obscurefog noun [uncountable and countable] very thick cloud near the ground which is difficult to see through: The cars crashed into each other in thick fog.carcrash | The fog had lifted (=disappeared)slightly.haveliftmist noun [uncountable and countable] light cloud near the ground that makes it difficult for you to see very far. Mist is usually not as thick as fog. You often get mist near areas of water or mountains: The morning mist was lifting and the sun was coming up.beliftbecome | A grey mist hung over the water.hang | The hills were shrouded in mist (=surrounded by mist).hillbeshroudhaze noun [singular, uncountable] smoke, dust, or mist in the air which is difficult to see through: He saw the horses coming towards him through a haze of dust.seehorsecome | The road shimmered in the heat haze.shimmer | A pale blue haze hung over the far-off mountains.hangmountainsmog noun [uncountable and countable] dirty air that looks like a mixture of smoke and fog, caused by smoke from cars and factories in cities: The city is covered in smog for much of the year.becover | A smog warning was issued for parts of Southern Oregon.warnbeissuepartthundercloud noun [countable] a large dark cloud that you see before or during a storm: He watched the thunderclouds roll across the valley.watchthundercloudvapour trail British English, vapor trail American English noun [countable] the white line that is left in the sky by a plane: High overhead, a jet left its vapour trail across the blue sky.leave
fogverbCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesfogfogsfoggedfoggingfogfog2 verb (past tense and past participle fogged, present participle fogging)Verb form1[intransitive and transitive] (also fog up) if something made of glass fogs or becomes fogged, it becomes covered in small drops of water that make it difficult to see through SYN mist up, steamed up: The windscreen had fogged up.havefog2CLEAR/EASY TO UNDERSTAND[transitive] to make something less clear SYN cloud
adjectiveDate: 1200-1300Origin: Perhaps from Old Norse blundr ‘sleeping’ 1SHARPnot sharp or pointed OPP sharp:
Sharpen all your blunt knives.knifea blunt pencil2HONESTspeaking in an honest way even if this upsets people → bluntly: To be blunt, many of the candidates cannot read or write.candidateJulian’s blunt words hurt her.word3blunt instrument a)a heavy object that is used to hit someone: The victim suffered a blow to the head from a blunt instrument.suffer b)a method of doing something that does not work very well because it has a lot of other effects that you do not want: The exams are a blunt instrument that will reveal little about children’s abilities.exambechildability—bluntnessbluntnessesbluntness noun [uncountable]
bluntverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesbluntbluntsbluntedbluntingbluntblunt2 verb [transitive]Verb form1WEAKto make a feeling less strong OPP sharpen: The bad weather blunted their enthusiasm for camping.bluntcamp2SHARPto make the point of a pencil or the edge of a knife less sharp OPP sharpen
verb [transitive]Date: 1400-1500Language: Old French
Origin: divertir, from Latin divertere, from vertere ‘to turn’ Verb form1CHANGE FROM ONE THING TO ANOTHERto change the use of something such as time or moneydivert something into/to/(away) from etc something
The company should divert more resources into research.shallresourceOfficials diverted revenue from arms sales to the rebels.officialdivertarmsalerebel2to change the direction in which something travelsdivert a river/footpath/road etcCanals divert water from the Truckee River into the lake.canalThe high street is closed and traffic is being diverted.beclosebebedivert3if you divert your telephone calls, you arrange for them to go directly to another number, for example because you are not able to answer them yourself for some time: Remember to divert your phone when you are out of the office.be4ATTENTIONCRITICIZEto deliberately take someone’s attention from something by making them think about or notice other thingsdivert (sb’s) attention (away from somebody/something)The crime crackdown is an attempt to divert attention from social problems.beproblemHe’d been trying to divert suspicion away from himself.betry5formal to amuse or entertain someone
verb [transitive]Date: 1600-1700Language: Latin
Origin: past participle of asserere, from ad- ‘to’ + serere ‘to join’ Verb form1SAY/STATEto state firmly that something is true:
French cooking, she asserted, is the best in the world.cookassertbewellassert thatHe asserted that nuclear power was a safe and non-polluting energy source.assertbepollute2assert your rights/independence/superiority etcSAY/STATE to state very strongly your right to something: Native Americans asserting their rights to ancestral landassertright3assert yourselfCONFIDENT to behave in a determined way and say clearly what you think: Women began to assert themselves politically.womanbegin4assert itselfEFFECT/INFLUENCE if an idea or belief asserts itself, it begins to influence something: National pride began to assert itself.beginTHESAURUSclaim to say that something is true, even though it has not been proved: He claims that he didn’t see anything.claim | She claims to be a descendant of Charles Dickens.claimallege to claim that someone did something wrong or illegal, although you do not give any proof: It is alleged that he murdered his wife.beallegemurder | Patients allege that the two firms failed to warn doctors about the dangers of taking the drugs over a long period.patientfirmfaildoctordangertakedrugmaintain to repeatedly say that something is true, especially when other people do not believe you: He continued to maintain his innocence, even after he was sent to prison.continuebesend | My mother always maintains that I learned to talk at six months.maintainlearnmonthinsist to say very firmly that something is true: She insists that Tom was there, although he denies it.insistbedeny | Turkey insists that there is more than enough water in the two rivers for all three countries.insistberivercountryassert formal to state that something is true – used especially in formal writing when reporting someone’s opinion: They assert that children work better on their own.childwell | The Environment Minister asserted that one third of the country’s cities had major pollution problems.assertcityhaveproblemcontend formal to claim that something is true, especially when other people disagree with you: Lawyers contend that his back problems were due to an existing injury, not the accident.lawyerproblembeexist | It is possible, as Kennedy contends, that her medical condition is caused by her work.becontendbecause
nounDate: 1100-1200Language: Old French
Origin: buef, from Latin bos ‘ox’ 1[uncountable] the meat from a cow:
roast beefWe have both dairy and beef cattle on the farm.2[countable] informalCOMPLAIN a complaint: OK, so what’s the beef this time?3where’s the beef?PLAN American English spoken used when you think someone’s promises sound good, but you want to know what they actually plan to do → corned beef
beefverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesbeefbeefsbeefedbeefingbeefbeef2 verb [intransitive]Verb form informalCOMPLAIN to complain a lotbeef aboutThey’re always beefing about something.beefbeef something ↔ up phrasal verb informal IMPROVEto improve something or make it more interesting, more important etc: a beefed-up news storybeefWe need to beef the campaign up.
noun formal1[countable]BUSINESS a business deal or action, such as buying or selling something: The bank charges a fixed rate for each transaction.chargefixfinancial transactionstransaction2[uncountable]BUSINESS the process of doing business: the transaction of his public dutiesduty3transactions [plural]DISCUSS discussions that take place at the meetings of an organization, or a written record of these
noun [countable]Date: 1800-1900Language: French
Origin: menu ‘small, full of details’, from Latin minutus; → MINUTE2 1a list of all the kinds of food that are available for a meal, especially in a restaurant:
Could we have the menu, please?canon the menuIs there any fish on the menu?bea three course set menu (=dishes which you do not choose for yourself)2a list of things on a computer screen which you can ask the computer to do: Select PRINT from the main menu.pull-down/drop-down menu (=a list of choices which appears when you click on a place on the screen)menu-driven (=operated by using a menu)COLLOCATIONSverbsread/study the menu Sandy read the menu, but didn’t see anything he wanted to eat.wantlook at/see the menu (=read the menu) He looked at the menu and decided to have the salad.lookdecideplan a menu (=decide what foods will be served) Erika began planning a menu for the dinner party.beginplanchoose/order something from the menu He ordered a chicken dish from the menu.orderoffer a menu The restaurant is offering a three-course menu for New Year’s Eve.beofferhave a good/long/unusual etc menu The new restaurant on Fifth Street has an excellent menu.haveADJECTIVES/NOUN + menu extensive (=with many different dishes on it) The menu is extensive and adventurous.bea dinner/lunch/breakfast menu There is an extensive dinner menu, and seafood is a speciality.bebea set/fixed menu (=when the cook decides which dishes will be served to you, rather than you choosing for yourself) Dinner is three courses from a set menu.becoursean à la carte menu (=a menu listing many separate dishes which you choose from) In the evening there is a full à la carte menu.evenbea children’s menu I asked the waiter if there was a children’s menu.askbechild
noun [countable]
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: gast 1spirit the spirit of a dead person that some people think they can feel or see in a placeghost of
the ghost of Old Tom MorrisThey say the young girl’s ghost still haunts (=often appears in) the house.hauntHe looked as if he’d seen a ghost (=he looked very frightened).looksee → Holy Ghost2memory/effect the memory or effect of someone or something bad that lived, existed, or happened in the pastghost ofThe ghost of Stalinism still affects life in Russia today.affect3the ghost of a smile/sound etcLITTLE/NOT MUCH a smile etc that is so slight you are not sure it happened: The ghost of a smile flitted across her sad features.flitfeature4television/computer a second image that is not clear on a television or computer screen5give up the ghost a)BROKENif a machine gives up the ghost, it does not work any more and cannot be repaired – used humorously: Unfortunately, my car’s just given up the ghost.give b)DIEto die6(not) a ghost of a chanceCHANCE/OPPORTUNITY not even a slight chance of doing something, or of something happening: They don’t stand a ghost of a chance of winning.winTHESAURUSghost the spirit of a dead person that some people think they can feel or see in a place: His ghost is believed to haunt the house.bebelievespirit a creature without a physical body, such as an angel or ghost: evil spiritsspirit | the spirit worldapparition an image of a dead person that someone sees suddenly for a short time: He claimed to have seen an apparition in the church.claimseepoltergeist a ghost that people cannot see, which throws things or moves things around: The house was haunted by a poltergeist that makes things move around all by themselves, sometimes quite big things like beds or wardrobes.behauntmakethingthingbedwardrobespook informal a ghost: I’m not scared of spooks.scarespookphantom literary a frightening and unclear image of a dead person: They had seen phantoms gliding on the surface of the water.haveseephantomglidespectre British English, specter American English literary a ghost, especially a frightening one: She had looked like a spectre.havelook | The following night, the spectre appeared again.followappear
ghostverbCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesghostghostsghostedghostingghostghost2 verb [transitive]Verb form to write something as a ghost writer
nounSense 1-2:Date: 1300-1400
Origin: Perhaps from Old French jonc ‘reed’Sense 3:
Date: 1500-1600
Language: Portuguese
Origin: junco, from Javanese jon 1[uncountable]USELESS old or unwanted objects that have no use or value:
This cupboard’s full of junk. ► Do not use junk when you are talking about things such as empty packets, cans, and bottles that are left in a public place. Use litter: Don’t drop litter in the street.2[uncountable] junk food3[countable] a Chinese sailing boat
junkverbCollocations from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesjunkjunksjunkedjunkingjunkjunk2 verb [transitive]Verb form USELESSto get rid of something because it is old or useless
verb [transitive]Word familyWord familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: transformare, from formare ‘to form’ Verb form CHANGE/MAKE STH DIFFERENTto completely change the appearance, form, or character of something or someone, especially in a way that improves it:
Increased population has transformed the landscape.increasehavetransformtransform somebody/something (from something) into somethingThe movie transformed her almost overnight from an unknown schoolgirl into a megastar.transformTHESAURUSto change something completelytransform to change something completely, especially so that it is much better: Well, you’ve certainly transformed this place – it looks great!transformlook | Putin transformed the Russian economy.transformrevolutionize to completely and permanently change the way people do something or think about something, especially because of a new idea or invention: Computers have revolutionized the way we work.computerrevolutionize | This important discovery revolutionized our understanding of the universe.revolutionizeunderstand
noun [countable]Date: 1400-1500Language: Old French
Origin: essai, from Late Latin exagium ‘act of weighing’ 1a short piece of writing about a particular subject by a student as part of a course of studyessay on/about
an essay on Bernard Shaw2a short piece of writing giving someone’s ideas about politics, society etcessay onRousseau’s ‘Essay on the Origin of Languages’language3formalTRY TO DO OR GET STH an attempt to do somethingCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2verbswrite/do an essay I’ve got a 3,000 word essay to write before Friday.getgive in/hand in an essay Half the class failed to hand in their essay on time.failmark an essay British English, grade an essay AmE: I went home knowing that I still had a pile of essays to mark.goknowhaveessayread an essay Did you read her essay on ‘The Waste Land’?doADJECTIVES/NOUN + essayan English/history/politics etc essay He got a good grade for his English essay.geta critical essay (=one that judges how good a book, writer etc is) The anthology contains critical essays by Kael, Graham Greene and others.containessayan academic essay Mature students often need practice writing academic essays.studentwriteessaya literary essay In a literary essay, you should explore the meaning and construction of the text.shallmeanessay + NOUNan essay question We practised essay questions from previous exam papers.practisequestionpaperan essay title You will find a list of essay titles on the notice board.titlean essay topic Students will be given six essay topics, from which they must choose two.studentgivetopicphrasesa collection of essays She published a collection of essays on philosophy.publishessayTHESAURUSessay a piece of writing written by a student as part of a course of study: We had to write an essay about the environment.have | Have you handed in your essay yet?handpaper an essay written by a someone who has studied a subject as part of their research. Paper is also used about an essay that you have to write for a class at school, especially in American English: The professor has published over forty scientific papers on diseases of tropical cropshavepublishpaperdiseasecrop | At the beginning of the school year we had to write a paper about our interests.beginhaveinterestdissertation a long essay written as part of a university degree: In the third year of their course, students have to write a 10,000 word dissertation on a topic that has been approved by their tutor.studenthavebeapprovethesis a very long essay that is part of an advanced university degree such as a master’s degree or a doctorate: He wrote his doctoral thesis on the literature of the English romantic movement.write
essayverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesessayessaysessayedessayingessayes‧say2 /eˈseɪ/ verb [transitive]Verb form formalTRY TO DO OR GET STH to attempt to do something
verbDate: 1400-1500Origin: Origin unknown Verb form
1 (also hatch out) [intransitive and transitive] if an egg hatches, or if it is hatched, it breaks, letting the young bird, insect etc come out: The eggs take three days to hatch.eggday2(also hatch out) [intransitive and transitive] if a young bird, insect etc hatches, or if it is hatched, it comes out of its egg: All the chicks have hatched out.chickhatch3hatch a plot/plan/deal etc to form a plan etc in secret
hatchnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2 3Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus exampleshatchhatcheshatchhatch2 noun [countable]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: hæc 1a hole in a ship or aircraft, usually used for loading goods, or the door that covers itescape hatch (=a hole in an aircraft etc through which you can escape)2(also hatchway) a small hole in the wall or floor between two rooms, or the door that covers it3down the hatch spoken informal something you say before drinking an alcoholic drink quickly
verb
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old English
Origin: twist ‘rope’ Verb form1move [intransitive and transitive]TURN a)to turn a part of your body around or change your position by turning:
He twisted his head slightly, and looked up at her.twistlooktwist round/aroundShe twisted round, so that she could see the dog better.twistcanwell b)if you twist your mouth or features, you smile in an unpleasant way or look angry, disapproving etc: His mouth twisted in a humourless smile.twist2bend [transitive]BEND to bend or turn something, such as wire, hair, or cloth, into a particular shapetwist something into somethingShe twisted her handkerchief into a knot.twisttwist something togetherTwist the two ends of the wire together.end3wind [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to wind something around or through an objecttwist something round/around/through etc somethingShe twisted a silk scarf round her neck.twistAnn twisted some daisies through Katherine’s thick brown hair.twistdaisy4turn [transitive]TURN to turn something in a circle using your handtwist something off (something)Jack twisted the cap off the bottle.twist5road/river [intransitive]TURN if a road, river etc twists, it changes direction in a series of curves: The road twisted between spectacular mountains.twistmountain6words [transitive]CHANGE/MAKE STH DIFFERENT to change the true or intended meaning of a statement, especially in order to get some advantage for yourself: He’s always trying to twist my words and make me look bad.tryword7twist your ankle/wrist/kneeINJURE to hurt your wrist etc by pulling or turning it too suddenly while you are moving: Harriet slipped on the stairs and twisted her ankle.slipstairtwist8twist and turn a)TURNif a path, road, stream etc twists and turns, it has a lot of bends in it: The river twists and turns through the green fields.twistturnfield b)TURNif a person or animal twists and turns, they make twisting movements9twist sb’s arm a)informalPERSUADE to persuade someone to do something they do not want to do: No one twisted my arm about coming to see you.twistcome b)INJUREto bend someone’s arm upwards behind their back in order to hurt them: The policeman twisted my arm behind me and arrested me.twistarrest → twist/wrap somebody around your little finger at finger1(8), → twist the knife (in the wound) at knife1(3)
twistnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplestwisttwiststwisttwist2 noun [countable]Word family1CHANGE/MAKE STH DIFFERENTan unexpected feature or change in a situation or series of eventsa new/cruel/unexpected/strange etc twistThe robbery took a deadly new twist as the robber pulled out a gun.takepullan unexpected twist in the plotBy an amazing twist of fate, we met again in Madrid five years later.amazemeetyearlate2TURNBENDa twisting action or movement: He smiled, a slow cynical twist of his lips.smilelip3TURNa bend in a river or road4PIECEa small piece of something that is twisted into a particular shapetwist ofa twist of lemon5the twist a popular fast dance from the 1960s in which you twist your body from side to side6round the twist British English spoken a)CRAZYcrazy: ‘The woman’s mad,’ she told herself. ‘She’s round the twist.’tell b)ANGRYvery angry—twistytwistiertwistiesttwisty adjective: a twisty road → (don’t) get your knickers in a twist at knickers(3)
adjective, adverbWord family1NOT KNOWNAME OF A PERSONnot known about: The murderer’s identity remains unknown.remainFor some unknown reason, Mark quit his job and moved to Greece.movea voyage through unknown territoryAn unknown number of people were killed.numbbekill2FAMOUS#not famous: an unknown artist3unknown to somebodyNOT KNOW without someone knowing: Unknown to his wife, Ron had been having an affair.havebehave4be an unknown quantityNOT KNOW if someone or something is an unknown quantity, you do not know what their abilities are or how they are likely to behave
unknownnounCollocations from other entriesActivator 1Phrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesunknownunknownsunknownunknown2 noun [countable]1FAMOUS#someone who is not famous: At that point in her career she was still an unknown.be2something that is not known: The long-term effects of the drug are still an unknown.effectbe3the unknown a)NOT KNOWa place that is not known about or that has not been visited by humans: The astronauts began their journey into the unknown.astronautbegin b)NOT KNOWthings that you do not know or understand: a fear of the unknown
nounDate: 1300-1400Origin: tone 1[countable] a series of musical notes that are played or sung and are nice to listen to SYN melody:
That’s a nice tune.She sang some old classics and a few new tunes.singclassictuneto the tune of something (=using the same tune as another song)The song was sung to the tune of "Amazing Grace".besingamaze2in tune playing or singing the correct musical note: They sang perfectly in tune.sing3out of tune playing or singing higher or lower than the correct musical note: Greg’s bass guitar was out of tune.be4in tune with somebody/something, out of tune with somebody/somethingSAMEDISAGREE able or unable to realize, understand, or agree with what someone else thinks or wants: The industry is changing in tune with changing demand.bechangechange5to the tune of $1,000/£2 million etc informalEMPHASIZE used to emphasize how large an amount or number is: Canada is funding the programme to the tune of $30 million.befund → call the tune at call1(9), → change your tune at change1(14), → dance to sb’s tune at dance2(4), → fine-tune, signature tuneCOLLOCATIONSverbsplay a tune He played a tune on the piano.playhum/whistle a tune She was humming a little tune to herself.behumwrite/compose a tune They wrote many great tunes together in the 80s.writetuneADJECTIVES/NOUN + tunecatchy/memorable (=one that is easy to remember) His songs have simple words and catchy tunes.songwordtunethe theme tune/signature tune (=the tune at the beginning or end of a television programme etc) the theme tune from the movie 'Titanic'a show tune (=a tune from a musical) Broadway show tunestunea dance tune The DJ played some bouncy dance tunes.playtunea hymn tune a rousing hymn tunerouse
tuneverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Word sets 1 2 3 4Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplestunetunestunedtuningtunetune2 verb [transitive]Verb form1to make a musical instrument play at the right pitch: Someone’s coming tomorrow to tune the piano.come2(also tune up) to make small changes to an engine so that it works as well as possible3to make a radio or television receive broadcasts from a particular placetune something to somethingThe radio was tuned to a classical station.betune → stay tuned at stay1(8)4finely/highly tunedJUDGE finely tuned feelings, senses, or systems are extremely sensitive and able to react quicklybe tuned to somethinga species finely tuned to life in the deserttunetune in phrasal verb1to watch or listen to a broadcast on radio or televisiontune in toPeople get their information by tuning in to foreign radio stations.tunestationMore than 150 million Americans tuned in to watch the final episode.tune2UNDERSTAND (also be tuned in) to realize or understand what is happening or what other people are thinkingtune in toTry to tune in to your partner’s needs.needThe company aims to be more tuned in to customer needs.aimtuneneedtune out phrasal verb informal IGNOREto ignore or stop listening to someone or something: A bored child may simply tune out.boretune somebody/something ↔ outI learned to tune out the background noise.learntune up phrasal verb1when musicians tune up, they prepare their instruments to play at the right pitchtune something ↔ upThe band were tuning up their guitars.betuneguitar2tune something ↔ up to make small changes to an engine so that it works as well as possible
noun a word used in the names of many British football clubs: Manchester UniteduniteWe're going to the football on Saturday -- United are playing Arsenal.gounitebeplay
unitedadjectiveCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesunitedunitedu‧nit‧ed S2 W3 /juːˈnaɪtəd, juːˈnaɪtɪd/
adjective1UNITEjoined or closely connected by feelings, aims etc: a united EuropeuniteThe two countries were united against a common enemy.countrybeunite2UNITEinvolving or done by everyone: a united effort to clean up the environmentunite3used in the names of some football teams and companies: Manchester UniteduniteUnited Airlinesuniteairline
noun [uncountable and countable]Date: 1200-1300Origin: daw ‘to dawn’ (10-19 centuries), from Old English dagian; related to day 1the time at the beginning of the day when light first appears SYN daybreak → duskat dawn
The boats set off at dawn.boatWhen dawn broke (=the first light of the day appeared), we were still 50 miles from Calcutta.breakbemilI was up at the crack of dawn (=very early in the morning) to get the plane.beWe worked from dawn to dusk (=through the whole day while it is light).workthe cold light of dawn2the dawn of civilization/time etcBEGINNING the time when something began or first appeared: People have been falling in love since the dawn of time.befall3a false dawnHOPE something that seems positive or hopeful but really is not: There was talk of share prices recovering, but that was just a false dawn.bepricerecoverbeTHESAURUSbeginning the first part of something such as a story, event, or period of time: The beginning of the movie is very violent.beginbe | Let’s go back to the beginning.beginstart the beginning of something, or the way something begins: Tomorrow marks the start of the presidential election campaign.mark | It was not a good start to the day.be | The runners lined up for the start of the race.runnerlinecommencement formal the beginning of something – used especially in official contexts: the commencement of the academic year | the commencement of the contractorigin the point from which something starts to exist: He wrote a book about the origins of the universe.writeorigin | The tradition has its origins in medieval times.haveorigintimethe onset of something the time when something bad begins, such as illness, old age, or cold weather: the onset of winter | An active lifestyle can delay the onset of many diseases common to aging.diseaseagedawn literary the beginning of an important period of time in history: People have worshipped gods since the dawn of civilization.worshipgodbirth the beginning of something important that will change many people’s lives: the birth of democracy in South Africa | the birth of the environmental movement
dawnverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesdawndawnsdawneddawningdawndawn2 verb [intransitive]Verb form1START TO HAPPEN, EXIST ETCif day or morning dawns, it begins: The morning dawned fresh and clear after the storm.dawn2START TO HAPPEN, EXIST ETCif a period of time or situation dawns, it begins: The age of Darwin had dawned.havedawn3THINK STH/HAVE A THOUGHTif a feeling or idea dawns, you have it for the first time: It began to dawn that something was wrong.beginbedawn on somebody phrasal verb REALIZEif a fact dawns on you, you realize it for the first time: The ghastly truth dawned on me.dawnIt dawned on me that Jo had been right all along.dawnhavebe
noun [countable]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: scytel ‘bar, bolt’ 1a space shuttle2a plane, bus, or train that makes regular short journeys between two places:
He took the Washington – New York shuttle.takeA shuttle bus operates to and from the beach of San Benedetto.operateThere’s a shuttle service from the city center to the airport.3a pointed tool used in weaving, to pass a thread over and under the threads that form the cloth
shuttleverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesshuttleshuttlesshuttledshuttlingshuttleshuttle2 verbVerb form1[intransitive always + adverb/preposition]TRAVEL to travel frequently between two places SYN commuteshuttle between/back and forthSusan shuttles between Rotterdam and London for her job.shuttle2[transitive] to move people from one place to another place that is fairly near SYN transport: The passengers were shuttled to the hotel by bus.passengerbeshuttle
nounLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: tid ‘time’ 1the tide the regular rising and falling of the level of the seathe tide is in/out (=the sea is at a low/high level)
Is the tide going out or coming in?begocomeWe went for a walk and got cut off by the tide.goget → high tide(1), low tide2[countable] a current of water caused by the tide: Strong tides make swimming dangerous.tideswim3[countable, usually singular]DEVELOP the way in which events or people’s opinions are developingtide ofWith the tide of public opinion against him, the president may lose.It was their first major victory. The tide had turned (=changed).behaveturnThe tide of battle turned against the Mexican army.turnswim with/against the tide (=support or oppose what most people think)4[countable, usually singular]CROWD a large amount of something that is increasing and is difficult to controltide of violence/crime etcThe crisis prompted a rising tide of protest.promptriseShe swallowed back a tide of emotion.swallowefforts to stem the tide of hysteria caused by the shootings (=prevent it from getting worse)effortcauseshooting5[singular] a large number of people or things moving along togethertide ofthe tide of refugees flowing over the borderrefugeeflow6Christmastide/eveningtide/morningtide etc old usePERIOD OF TIME a particular time of the year or dayCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesthe tide is in (=the sea covers the shore) You can’t walk on the beach when the tide is in.bethe tide is out Let’s go for a walk along the beach while the tide is out.behigh tide At high tide the island is completely cut off.below tide The sands are exposed at low tide.sandbeexposethe incoming tide The box was carried upstream on the incoming tide.becarrythe rising tide The rising tide had begun to fill up the channel.risehavebeginan ebb tide (=the flow of the sea away from the shore) We sailed out to sea on the ebb tide.saila flood tide (=the flow of the sea towards the land) The wind drove the yacht inland on the flood tide.drivea spring tide (=a large rise and fall in the level of the sea, that happens when there is a new moon and when there is a full moon) It must be a spring tide.a neap tide (=a very small rise and fall in the level of the sea, that happens at the first and third quarters of the moon) Spring tides alternate with neap tides.tidetideverbsthe tide comes in (=the sea comes nearer) Once the tide comes in, the cove is cut off.comebethe tide goes out They sat on the beach watching the tide going out.sitwatchgothe tide turns (=starts coming in or going out) Soon, the tide would turn and the waves would begin to creep inshore again.willwavewillbe cut off by the tide (=become trapped as the sea rises) Two anglers had to be rescued after getting cut off by the tide.anglerhaverescuegetTHESAURUSthe sea especially British English the large area of salty water that covers much of the Earth’s surface: She lives by the sea.live | The sea was very rough.bethe ocean especially American English the large area of salty water that covers much of the Earth’s surface: a house by the ocean | The restaurant had a sweeping view of the ocean.havesweepwaters a large area of water – used about an area of water that belongs to a particular country, or when describing what the water is like: boats fishing in Canadian watersboatfishwater | British territorial waterswater | the calm waters of the harbourwater | dangerous waterswater | choppy waters (=with a lot of waves)waterbay an area of sea that is partly enclosed by a curve in the land: I swam across the bay.swim | the Bay of Biscaygulf a very large area of sea partly enclosed by land: the Gulf of Mexico | oil from the Gulf (=the area of water near Iran, Saudi Arabia etc)tide the regular rising and falling of the level of the sea: Is the tide going out or coming in ?begocome | High tide (=when the sea is at its highest level)is at 4 o'clock in the afternoon.be | low tide (=when the sea is at its lowest level) | The rocks are visible at low tide.rockbewave a line of raised water that moves across the surface of the sea: The waves were crashing against the rocks.wavebecrashrock
tideverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriestidetidestidedtidingtidetide2 verbVerb formtide somebody over (something) phrasal verb HELPto help someone through a difficult period, especially by lending them money: Could you lend me £10 to tide me over till next week?can
TideTideTideTide
trademark a type of detergent for washing clothes, sold especially in the US
adjective (comparative hungrier, superlative hungriest)Word family1HUNGRY/WANT TO EATwanting to eat something → thirsty: I was cold, tired, and hungry.betireIf you get hungry, there’s some cold chicken in the fridge.Do you still feel hungry?2HUNGRY/STARVINGill or weak as a result of not having enough to eat for a long time: We can’t justify wasting food when half the world is hungry.wastbe3go hungryHUNGRY/STARVING to not have enough to eat: Thousands of families go hungry every day.family4WANTwanting or needing something very much SYN eagerhungry forShe is hungry for success.behungry to do somethingStan was hungry to learn.be5the hungry [plural]HUNGRY/STARVING people who do not have enough food to eat6power-hungry/news-hungry etcWANT wanting power, news etc very much: a power-hungry politicianTHESAURUSwanting to eathungry wanting to eat something: We were really hungry after our long walk.be | It’s hard work cooking for a bunch of hungry kids.cookkidpeckish [not before noun] British English informal a little hungry: I’m feeling a bit peckish. What’s in the fridge?feelbitestarving/ravenous /ˈrævənəs/ (also starved American English) [not before noun] spoken very hungry and wanting to eat as soon as possible: I missed lunch and I’m absolutely starving.missstarve | Sam’s always ravenous when he gets home from school.getfamished very hungry. Famished is less common and sounds a little more formal than starving or ravenous: Everyone was famished by the time they arrived.bearriveI could eat a horse! spoken used to say that you are very hungry: ‘Are you hungry?’ ‘Yeah, I could eat a horse.’becanappetite the desire for food that you have when you are hungry: Exercise usually gives me an appetite.give | It’s healthy to have a good appetite.ill because of lack of foodhungry ill or weak because of not having enough to eat: terrible pictures of hungry children in Africapicturechildstarving not having had enough food for a long time and likely to die soon without food: Because of the drought, millions of people were starving.bestarve | the starving refugees from the warstarverefugeemalnourished formal unhealthy and thin because you have not had the right kinds of food over a long period of time: According to the report, one-fifth of the world’s population are malnourished.accordbe | malnourished infantsinfant
adjective1covered with sand, or containing a lot of sand: The soil is quite sandy.be2hair that is sandy is a yellowish-brown colour—sandinesssandinessessandiness noun [uncountable]
nounDate: 1700-1800Origin: Earl of Sandwich (1718-92), who ate sandwiches so that he could continue gambling without leaving the table
1 [countable] two pieces of bread with cheese, meat, cooked egg etc between them: a ham sandwich2[countable] British English a cake consisting of two layers with jam and cream between them: a raspberry sponge sandwich → club sandwich, open sandwich
sandwichverbCollocations from other entriesActivator 1Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplessandwichsandwichessandwichedsandwichingsandwichsandwich2 verb [transitive usually passive]Verb form BETWEENto be in a very small space between two other thingsbe sandwiched in/between somebody/somethingA layer of transparent material is sandwiched between the pieces of glass.besandwichpiece
noun [countable]Sense 1-3:Date: 1700-1800
Origin: truck ‘small wheel’ (17-21 centuries), probably from Latin trochus ‘circular iron band’, from Greek trochos ‘wheel’Sense 4:
Date: 1800-1900
Origin: truck ‘exchange, barter, communication’ (16-19 centuries), from truck ‘to barter’ (13-19 centuries), from Old French troquer
1 a large road vehicle used to carry goods SYN lorry British English: a truck driverpick-up/fork-lift/delivery etc truck (=large vehicles used for particular purposes)His car was taken away on the back of a breakdown truck.betake2British English a railway vehicle that is part of a train and carries goods SYN car American English: coal truckstruck3a simple piece of equipment on wheels used to move heavy objects4have/hold/want no truck with somebody/somethingAVOID to refuse to be involved with someone or to accept an idea
truckverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplestrucktruckstruckedtruckingtrucktruck2 verb American EnglishVerb form1[transitive] (also truck in) to take something somewhere by truck: They ordered sand to be trucked in from the desert.ordertruck2[intransitive always + adverb/preposition] spokenGO to go, move, or travel quickly: We were trucking on down to Jack’s place.betruck3get trucking spokenLEAVE A PLACE to leave4keep on trucking spokenCONTINUE/NOT STOP used to encourage someone to continue what they are doing, especially in the 1970s
adjective relating to Turkey, its people, or its language
TurkishnounCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1TurkishTurkishTurkish2 noun [uncountable] the language used in Turkey
noun [countable]Date: 800-900Language: Latin
Origin: anchora, from Greek ankyra
1 a piece of heavy metal that is lowered to the bottom of the sea, a lake etc to prevent a ship or boat movingat anchorThe ship was at anchor.beWe dropped anchor a few yards offshore.dropyardThe next morning, they weighed anchor (=lifted the anchor) and began to move south again.weighbegin2especially American English someone who reads the news on TV and introduces news reports SYN newsreader British English: Dan Rather, anchor of the CBC Evening Newseven3HELPsomeone or something that provides a feeling of support and safety: Dad was the anchor of the family.be
anchorverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2Phrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesanchoranchorsanchoredanchoringanchoranchor2 verbVerb form1[intransitive and transitive] to lower the anchor on a ship or boat to hold it in one place SYN moor: Three tankers were anchored in the harbor.tankerbeanchor2FASTEN/DO UP[transitive usually passive] to fasten something firmly so that it cannot move: The shelves should be securely anchored to the wall.shelveshallanchor3be anchored in somethingCONNECTED WITH to be strongly connected with a particular system, way of life etc: John’s outlook has always been anchored in the political mainstream.havebeanchor4SUPPORT A PERSON, GROUP, OR PLAN[transitive] to provide a feeling of support, safety, or help for someone or an organization: Steve anchors the team’s defense.anchorHer life was anchored by her religion.beanchor5[transitive] American English to be the person who reads the news and introduces reports on television SYN present: Collins anchors the 6 o'clock news.anchor
verb [transitive]Date: 1600-1700Language: Low German
Origin: smuggeln and Dutch smokkelen Verb form1to take something or someone illegally from one country to anothersmuggle something across something
The guns were smuggled across the border.gunbesmugglesmuggle something into/out of/from somethingIllegal immigrants are smuggled into the country by boat.immigrantbesmuggle2informalHIDE/NOT SHOW to take something or someone secretly to a place where they are not allowed to besmuggle something into somethingHe smuggled his notes into the exam.smugglenote
noun [uncountable]Date: 1500-1600Origin: Early French trafique, from Old Italian traffico, from trafficare ‘to trade’ 1the vehicles moving along a road or street:
There wasn’t much traffic on the roads.roadThe sound of the traffic kept me awake.keep2the movement of aircraft, ships, or trains from one place to another: air traffic controlthe problems of air traffic congestion in Europeproblem3formal the movement of people or goods by aircraft, ships, or trainstraffic ofMost long-distance traffic of heavy goods is done by ships.goodbedoship4the secret buying and selling of illegal goods: drugs trafficdrugtraffic intraffic in firearmsfirearmCOLLOCATIONSverbsbe stuck/caught/held up in traffic Sorry I’m late – I was stuck in traffic.bestickavoid/miss the traffic I left early, hoping to miss the traffic.leavehopecut/reduce traffic The congestion charge did cut road traffic in central London.dotraffic moves/flows At last the traffic was moving again.bemovetraffic is diverted (=made to go in another direction) Traffic was diverted onto the A166 as emergency services cleared the wreckagebedivertserviceclearADJECTIVES/NOUN + trafficheavy We ran into heavy traffic near the airport.runlight The traffic is fairly light at this time of day.bebad/terrible The traffic was terrible this morning.beslow/slow-moving Traffic’s very slow going out of New York.gorush-hour traffic I left early to try to miss the rush-hour traffic.leavelocal traffic There is quite a lot of local traffic.bemotorway traffic British English, freeway traffic AmE: As motorway traffic worsens, commuters may have to find other ways of getting to and from work.worsencommuterwaygetoncoming traffic (=traffic coming towards you) The driver, too busy watching oncoming traffic, doesn’t notice the pedestrian ahead.watchtraffic + NOUNa traffic jam (=a line of cars that have stopped, or are moving very slowly) She spent two hours sitting in a traffic jam.spendhoursittraffic congestion (=when the roads are full of traffic) efforts to cut traffic congestionefforttraffic flow (=the steady movement of traffic) The road widening should help to improve traffic flow.widenshalla traffic accident He’s been involved in a traffic accident.beinvolvethe traffic police (=police dealing with traffic problems and illegal driving) The teenagers got stopped by the local traffic police.teenagergetstoptraffic noise You get a lot of traffic noise living here.livephrasesthe volume of traffic The new ring road will reduce the volume of traffic through the village.a stream of traffic (=a long continuous series of cars, trucks etc) There was a constant stream of traffic.bethe roar/rumble/hum of traffic The only noise was the distant rumble of traffic on the coastal road.be
trafficverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplestraffictrafficstraffickedtraffickingtraffictraffic2 verb (past tense and past participle trafficked, present participle trafficking) [transitive]Verb form to take someone to another country and force them to work, for example as a prostitute: He had made a fortune by trafficking young women.havemaketrafficwomantraffic in something phrasal verb to buy and sell illegal goods: Lewis was found guilty of trafficking in drugs.befindtrafficdrug
noun (plural tragedies)Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: tragedie, from Latin, from Greek tragoidia, probably from tragos ‘goat’ + aeidein ‘to sing’ 1[uncountable and countable]DISASTER a very sad event, that shocks people because it involves death:
The tragedy happened as they were returning home from a night out.happenbereturnTragedy struck the family when their two-year-old son was killed in an accident.strikebekill2[countable] informalDISASTER something that seems very sad and unnecessary because something will be wasted, lost, or harmed: It’s a tragedy to see so much talent going to waste.go3a)[countable] a serious play or book that ends sadly, especially with the death of the main character → comedy: ‘Hamlet’ is one of Shakespeare’s best known tragedies.bewellknowtragedy b)[uncountable] this type of play or book: an actor specializing in tragedyspecializeCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesa terrible/great tragedy His death is a terrible tragedy for his family.bean awful/appalling tragedy (=very unpleasant and shocking) This is an appalling tragedy which will haunt us for the rest of our lives.beappallivea personal tragedy He suffered a great personal tragedy two years ago when his son died suddenly.sufferyeardiea human tragedy The UN wants to see an end to the conflict and the human tragedy involved.wantinvolveverbsa tragedy happens/occurs The tragedy happened shortly before 5pm on Saturday.happena tragedy unfolds When you visit the country, you begin to appreciate the size of the tragedy that is unfolding.beunfoldtragedy strikes (=happens suddenly) Just when it looked as though everything would turn out right, tragedy struck and Jenny developed a fatal illness.lookwillstrikedevelopend in tragedy The all-night fishing trip ended in tragedy for the four men after their boat ran aground.fishendmanrunavert/avoid a tragedy (=prevent it from happening) The owners could have done something to avert the tragedy.ownercandoTHESAURUSdisaster a sudden event such as an accident, or a natural event such as a flood or storm, which causes great damage or suffering: 200 people died in the train disaster.die | The earthquake was the worst natural disaster to hit India for over 50 years.beillyearcatastrophe a terrible event in which there is a lot of destruction, damage, suffering, or death over a wide area of the world: A large comet hitting the earth would be a catastrophe.hitwill | We don’t want another nuclear catastrophe like Chernobyl. | Scientists say that the oil spill is an ecological catastrophe.scientistbetragedy a very sad event, that shocks people because it involves death: It was a tragedy that he died so young.bedie | the AIDS tragedy in Africaaiddebacle an event or situation that is a complete failure and is very embarrassing: The opening ceremony turned into a debacle.openturn | The team is hoping to do better this game, after last week’s debacle against the Chicago Bears.behopewellbear
adjective (comparative tinier, superlative tiniest)Date: 1500-1600Origin: tine ‘very small’ (15-17 centuries)
SMALLextremely small: a tiny community in the MidwestThe earrings were tiny.earringbea tiny little babyShe always felt a tiny bit sad.feelbiteBad teachers are a tiny minority.teacherbetiny pieces of paperpieceTHESAURUSvery smalltiny very small – used about objects, numbers, or amounts: a tiny island | Dairy foods provide your body with a tiny amount of vitamin D.foodteeny informal very small - used for emphasis: I'll just have a teeny bit of cream.bite | There's just one teeny little problem. | a teeny little houseminute extremely small and extremely difficult to see or notice: They found minute traces of poison in his body.findtrace | The differences are minute.differencebe | minute creaturescreatureminiature a miniature camera, watch, railway etc is made in a very small size. A miniature horse, dog etc is bred to be a very small size: The spy used a miniature camera.use | the fashion for miniature petspetmicroscopic extremely small and impossible to see without special equipment: microscopic organismsorganism | microscopic particles of dustparticleminuscule /ˈmɪnəskjuːl, ˈmɪnɪskjuːl/ extremely small in a surprising way: She was wearing a minuscule bikini.bewear | The threat from terrorism is minuscule compared to other risks in our lives.becompareriskliveitty-bitty/itsy-bitsy [only before noun] American English informal very small: An itty-bitty little bug crawled across his forehead.crawl | We stayed at some itty-bitty hotel in a back street.stay
adjective (comparative shyer, superlative shyest)Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: sceoh 1SHYnervous and embarrassed about meeting and speaking to other people, especially people you do not know:
He was a quiet shy man.beshy withShe was very shy with strangers.bestrangera shy smileAs a teenager, I was painfully shy (=extremely shy).beshy to do somethingHe was too shy to come and sit by me in class.bego all shy British English (=to suddenly become very shy)Oh, have you gone all shy, Jenny?go2somebody is not shy about (doing) something used to emphasize that someone is very willing to do something or get involved with something: John has strong opinions and he’s not shy about sharing them.haveopinionshare3WILLING#unwilling to do something or get involved in somethingbe shy about/of (doing) somethingEmployees are urged not to be shy about reporting incidents of sexual harassment.employeebeurgereportincident4be shy (of something) especially American EnglishENOUGH#LESS to have less than a particular amount of something: The Democrats are three votes shy of a majority.democratbevoteJessica died Monday. She was one week shy of her 13th birthday.diebe5used to say that someone does not like something and therefore tries to avoid it: Although publicity-shy, he recently agreed to be interviewed.agreeinterview → camera-shy, work-shy6FRIGHTENEDshy animals get frightened easily and are unwilling to come near people SYN timid: Deer are shy creatures.becreature—shylyshyly adverb: He grinned shyly.grin—shynessshynessesshyness noun [uncountable]: I overcame my shyness.overcome → fight shy of (doing) something at fight1(22), → once bitten, twice shy at bite1(14)THESAURUSbashful shy and not willing to say very muchself-conscious worried and embarrassed about what you look like or what other people think of youtimid not brave or confidentreserved not liking to express your emotions or talk about your problemsintroverted thinking a lot about your own interests, problems etc, and not liking to be with other peoplewithdrawn quiet and not wanting to talk to other people, especially because you are unhappyantisocial not liking to meet people and talk to themretiring formal not wanting to be with other people
shyverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5Word sets 1Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplesshyshiesshiedshyingshyshy2 verb (past tense and past participle shied, present participle shying, third person singular shies) [intransitive]Word familyVerb form BACK/BACKWARDSif a horse shies, it makes a sudden movement away from something because it is frightened: The horse shied, throwing Darrel from his saddle.shythrowshy away from something phrasal verb AVOIDto avoid doing or dealing with something because you are not confident enough or you are worried or nervous about it: They criticized the leadership, but shied away from a direct challenge.criticizeshy
shyCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesshyshyshy3 → coconut shy
adjective [only before noun]Date: 1200-1300Origin: up 1HIGHin a higher position than something else OPP lower:
the upper lip2TOPnear or at the top of something OPP lower: the upper floors of a buildingfloorbuildThere is an upper age limit for becoming a pilot.bebecome3have/gain the upper handADVANTAGE to have more power than someone else, so that you are able to control a situation: Police have gained the upper hand over the drug dealers in the area.gaindealer4HIGH POSITION OR RANKmore important than other parts or ranks in an organization, system etc: the upper echelons (=the most important members) of corporate managementechelon5FARfurther from the sea or further north than other parts of an area: the upper reaches of the Nilereach → a stiff upper lip at stiff1(10)
uppernounCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesupperuppersupperupper2 noun [countable]
1 the top part of a shoe that covers your foot: leather uppersupper2uppers [plural] informal illegal drugs that make you feel happy and give you a lot of energy SYN amphetamines3be on your uppers British English old-fashionedPOOR to have very little money
noun [uncountable]Date: 900-1000Language: Latin
Origin: purpura, from Greek porphyra type of shellfish from which purple coloring was obtained a dark colour that is a mixture of red and blue purpleadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryCorpus examplespurplepurplerpurplestpurplepurple2
adjective1having a dark colour that is a mixture of red and blue2purple with rage/purple in the face etc with a face that is dark red, caused by anger: His face turned purple with rage.turn3purple patch a time when you are very successful – used especially in news reports: Steve’s purple patch continued with a second victory on Tuesday.continue4purple prose/passage writing that uses difficult or unusual words – used in order to show disapproval
(also asˈsuming thatassuming that) conjunction used when talking about an event or situation that might happen, and what you will do if it happens: Assuming that you get a place at university, how are you going to finance your studies?assumebegostudy
noun [countable]Date: 1600-1700Language: Dutch
Origin: trekker, from Middle Dutch trecken ‘to pull’; → TREK2
1 the part of a gun that you pull with your finger to fire itpull/squeeze the triggerHe took aim and squeezed the trigger.takesqueeze2be the trigger (point) (for something)CAUSE to be the thing that quickly causes a serious problem: The hijacking became a trigger point for military action.hijackbecome
triggerverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplestriggertriggerstriggeredtriggeringtriggertrigger2 AC (also trigger offtrigger offstrigger offedtrigger offingtrigger off) verb [transitive]Verb form1CAUSEto make something happen very quickly, especially a series of events: The assassination triggered off a wave of rioting.triggerriotCertain forms of mental illness can be triggered by food allergies.formtriggerallergytrigger a memory (=make you suddenly remember something)His action triggered a massive response from the government.trigger2to make something such as a bomb or electrical system start to operate SYN set off: The burglars fled after triggering the alarm.burglarfleetriggerTHESAURUScause to make something happen, especially something bad: Bad weather has caused a lot of problems on the roads.havecauseproblemroad | The fault caused the whole computer system to shut down.causemake somebody/something do something to cause someone to do something, or cause something to happen. Make is less formal than cause, and is the usual word to use in everyday English: What made you decide to become a teacher?make | I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you cry. | Gravity is the force which makes the planets move round the Sun.bemakeplanetbe responsible for something if someone or something is responsible for something bad, they caused it to happen: The excessive heat was responsible for their deaths.bedeath | A small militant group was responsible for the bombing.bebombbring about something to make something happen – used especially about changes or improvements: The Internet has brought about enormous changes in society.havebringchange | It’s important that we do everything we can to bring about peace.result in something if an action or event results in something, it makes that thing happen: The fire resulted in the deaths of two children.resultdeathchild | The decision is likely to result in a large number of job losses.benumblosslead to something to cause something to happen eventually after a period of time: The information led to several arrests.leadarrest | A poor diet in childhood can lead to health problems later in life.problemlatetrigger if one event triggers another, it suddenly makes the second event happen: The incident triggered a wave of violence.trigger | An earthquake off Java’s southern coast triggered a tsunami.triggerprecipitate formal to make a very serious event happen very suddenly, which will affect a lot of people: The withdrawal of foreign investment would precipitate an economic crisis.will | The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand precipitated World War I.precipitate
noun (plural unities)Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: unité, from Latin unitas, from unus ‘one’ 1[uncountable]UNITE when a group of people or countries agree or are joined together:
economic unityEuropean unity2[uncountable]COMPLETE the quality of having matching parts: His essays often lack unity.essay3[countable] technical one of the three related principles that say a play should be about a single set of related events which happen in one place on one day
nounDate: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: universum, from universus ‘whole’, from uni- + versus ‘turned toward’ 1the universe all space, including all the stars and planetsin the universe
everything in the universe2[countable] a world or an area of space that is different from the one we are ina parallel/an alternative universe3be the centre of sb’s universe to be the most important person or thing to someone4LIFEsb’s universe a person’s life, including all of the people, places, and ideas which affect them
noun [countable]Date: 1700-1800Origin: rifle ‘to cut grooves on the inside of something, especially a gun barrel’ (17-21 centuries), from Old French rifler ‘to cut into a surface, steal’
a long gun which you hold up to your shoulder to shoot → pistol
rifleverbCollocations from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesrifleriflesrifledriflingriflerifle2 (also rifle throughrifle through) verb [transitive]Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: rifler; → RIFLE1 Verb form LOOK FORto search a place or container quickly because you are looking for something, especially something to steal:
Sally rifled through her wardrobe looking for a dress.riflelookThe killer had rifled his wallet and stolen £200.haveriflesteal
noun [countable]Word family1LEARNsomeone who has just started to do or learn something: an absolute beginner2beginner’s luckLUCKY unusual success that you have when you start something new
verb [transitive]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: fetian, feccan Verb form1especially British EnglishTAKE/BRING to go and get something or someone and bring them back:
Quick! Go and fetch a doctor.Shannon went upstairs to fetch some blankets.goblanketfetch somebody/something from somethingWould you mind going to fetch the kids from school?willgokidfetch somebody something/fetch something for somebodyFetch me some coffee while you’re up.2COSTto be sold for a particular amount of money, especially at a public sale – used especially in news reports: The painting is expected to fetch at least $20 million.paintbeexpectlittle3fetch and carryWORK HARD to do simple and boring jobs for someone as if you were their servant: Am I supposed to fetch and carry for him all day?besuppose4British EnglishTAKE/BRING to make people react in a particular way: This announcement fetched a huge cheer from the audience.fetchfetch up phrasal verb British English informal [always + adverb/preposition]ARRIVE to arrive somewhere without intending to SYN end up: I fell asleep on the train and fetched up in Glasgow.fallfetchTHESAURUScost to have a particular price: The book costs $25.cost | A new kitchen will cost you a lot of money. | It’s a nice dress and it didn’t cost much.be especially spoken to cost a particular amount of money: These shoes were only £5.shoebebe priced at something to have a particular price – used when giving the exact price that a shop or company charges for something: Tickets are priced at $20 for adults and $10 for kids.ticketbepriceadultkidretail at something to be sold in shops at a particular price – used especially in business: The scissors retail at £1.99 in department stores.scissorstoresell/go for something used for saying what people usually pay for something: Houses in this area sell for around £200,000.housefetch used for saying what people pay for something, especially at a public sale: The painting fetched over $8,000 at auction.paintfetch | A sports car built for Mussolini is expected to fetch nearly £1 million at auction.sportbuildbeexpectset somebody back something informal to cost someone a lot of money: A good set of speakers will set you back around £150.speakercome to if a bill comes to a particular amount, it adds up to that amount: The bill came to £100 between four of us.come
fetchnounCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryCorpus examplesfetchfetchesfetchfetch2 noun play fetch if you play fetch with a dog, you throw something for the dog to bring back to you
nounLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: hærfest 1[uncountable and countable]GROW PLANTS, VEGETABLES ETC the time when crops are gathered from the fields, or the act of gathering themat harvest/at harvest time
every year at harvest timewheat/rice/grape etc harvestIt rained for the potato harvest.rain2[countable] the crops that have been gathered, or the amount and quality of the crops gatheredgood/bumper harvest (=a lot of crops)Plum growers are expecting a bumper harvest this year.growerbeexpectpoor/bad harvest (=few crops)3reap a harvestRESULT to get good or bad results from your actions: The company is now reaping the harvest of careful planning.bereapplanCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2ADJECTIVES/NOUN + harvest good The late frosts ended hopes of a good harvest that year.frostendhopepoor/bad (=with few crops) A series of poor harvests plunged them into debt.harvestplungea bumper harvest (=a very good harvest) Plum growers are expecting a bumper harvest this year.growerbeexpectthe grain/potato/corn etc harvest This year's grain harvest is expected to be well over 85 million tons.beexpecttonharvest + NOUNharvest time He hired extra workers to help at harvest time.hireworkerthe harvest season Orchard farmers are busiest during the September and October harvest season.farmerbebusyverbsbring in/gather in the harvest (also get in the harvest) (=collect the crops from the fields) They were working late into the night to get the harvest in.beworkthe harvest fails (=there are no crops or only poor crops) The potato harvest failed that year.fail
harvestverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Corpus examplesharvestharvestsharvestedharvestingharvestharvest2 verb [intransitive and transitive]Verb form GROW PLANTS, VEGETABLES ETCto gather crops from the fields
adverbWord family1[+ adjective/adverb]VERY used to emphasize that the way you are describing something is really true SYN really: His work is truly original.beFawcett was a truly remarkable man.bea truly great work of medieval literature2VERYsincerely: I am truly sorry.beShe truly believed he was innocent.believebeI can truly say I’ve never enjoyed myself so much.enjoy3CORRECTin an exact or correct way: Is it a truly representative sample?be4well and truly especially spokenCOMPLETELY completely: We were well and truly beaten.bebeatThe party was well and truly over.be5really and truly British English spokenIN FACT used to emphasize that something is definitely or completely true: I couldn’t believe we were really and truly going at last.bego6yours truly a)used at the end of a letter, before the signature b)informal used humorously to mean yourself: So, yours truly was left to clean up.beleave
noun [countable]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: tol
1 something that you hold in your hand and use to do a particular job: I don’t have the right tools to start fiddling around with the engine.toolfiddlea shop selling garden toolsselltool2HELPa piece of equipment or a skill that is useful for doing your job: Television is an important tool for the modern teacher.beThese books are the tools of my trade (=the things I need to do my job).bookbetool3USE A PERSONsomeone who is used unfairly by another person and who has to do things they do not really want to do – used to show disapprovaltool ofThe king was merely a tool of the military government.be4informal not polite a man’s penis (=sex organ) → down tools at down2(3)
toolverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from other entriestooltoolstooledtoolingtooltool2 verb [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]Verb form American English informal to drive along a street, especially for fun: He spent the afternoon tooling around town.spendtooltool up phrasal verb to prepare a factory for producing goods by providing the necessary tools and machinerytool something ↔ upThe factory was tooled up to produce light weapons.betoolweapon
preposition1DIFFERENTcompletely different from a particular person or thing: Tammy was unlike any other woman I have ever known.beknow2TYPICAL#not typical of someone at all: It’s unlike Greg to be late.3used when saying how one person or thing is different from another: Unlike most people in the office, I don’t come to work by car.4not unlike similar to: In appearance John is not unlike his brother.beThe landscape is not unlike that of Scotland.be
unlikeadjectiveThesaurus 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesunlikeunlikeunlike2 adjective literary DIFFERENTnot alike SYN differentTHESAURUSdifferent if something or someone is different, they are not like something or someone else, or they are not like they were before: You look different. Have you had your hair cut?have | We’ve painted the door a different colour.paint | The cultures of the two countries are very different.culturecountrybeunique very different, special, or unusual and the only one of its kind. Don’t use words such as very before unique: The book is certainly very rare, and possibly unique.be | the unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islandsislanddistinctive having a special feature or appearance that makes something different from other things, and makes it easy to recognize: Male birds have distinctive blue and yellow markings.birdmarkingunlike [prep] completely different from a particular person or thing: In Britain, unlike the United States, the government provides health care.unitestateprovidehave nothing in common if two people have nothing in common, they do not have the same interests or opinions and therefore cannot form a friendly relationship: Apart from the fact that we went to the same school, we have absolutely nothing in common.gothere’s no/little resemblance used when saying that two people or things seem very different: There’s no resemblance between the two sisters at all.sister | The final product bore no resemblance to the original proposal (=it was very different).beardissimilar formal not the same as something else: These four politically dissimilar states have all signed a treaty of friendship and cooperation.statesignbe like chalk and cheese British English informal if two people are like chalk and cheese, they are completely different: It’s hard to believe that they’re brothers – they’re like chalk and cheese!brotherbe (like) apples and oranges American English informal used when saying that two people or things are very different: You can't compare residential and commercial real estate markets. It's apples and oranges.marketappleorange | Obama and Romney are apples and oranges.beappleorange | Comparing homemade soup to canned soup is really comparing apples and oranges.comparecanbecompareappleorange
verb (past tense swore /swɔː $ swɔːr/, past participle sworn /swɔːn $ swɔːrn/)
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: swerian Verb form1offensive language [intransitive]SWEAR to use rude and offensive language:
Don’t swear in front of the children.childswear atHe turned round and swore at me.turnswear2promise [transitive]PROMISE to promise that you will do somethingswear (that)Victor swore he would get his revenge.swearwillswear to do somethingMona swore never to return home.swearDo you swear on your honour (=promise very strongly) that you will never tell anyone?3state the truth [intransitive and transitive] informalSAY/STATE to say very strongly that what you are saying is true: I never touched your purse, I swear!touchswear (that)He says he was there all the time, but I swear I never saw him.saybeseeswear blind British English (=say very strongly)She swore blind that she had never seen him before.swearhaveseeI never touched her, I swear to God.touchI think it was about ten o'clock when we left, but I couldn’t swear to it (=I am not certain).beleave4somebody could have sworn (that) ... used to say that someone was sure about something but now they think they were wrong: I could have sworn I had my keys.canswearhavekey5public promise [intransitive and transitive]PROMISE to make a public official promise, especially in a court of lawswear onWitnesses have to swear on the Bible.witnessRemember that you have sworn an oath and so must tell the truth.swearPresidents must swear allegiance to the US constitution.president6swear somebody to secrecy/silenceTELL A SECRET to make someone promise not to tell anyone what you have told them—swearingswearingsswearing noun [uncountable]: He was cautioned for swearing.becautionswearlots of shouting and swearinglotshoutswearTHESAURUSpromise to tell someone that you will definitely do something, or that something will happen: He promised to give the book back.promise | The organisers have promised that this year’s event will take place.promiseswear to make a very serious and sincere promise, for example in a law court: He had sworn to tell the truth.haveswear | I would never do that, I swear.willgive somebody your word especially spoken to promise sincerely that you will do something or that something is true – often used when you are trying to persuade someone that they can trust you: I give you my word that your money is safe with me.be | I’ll let you go out tonight if you give me your word that you’ll be home by 11.vow to make a very serious promise, often to yourself: She vowed that she would never drink alcohol again.vowwill | They vowed to carry on their campaign for justice.vowassure to promise someone that something will happen or that something is true, in order to try to make them feel less worried: Police have assured the public that they are doing everything they can to find the killer.assurebedoguarantee to promise that you will make sure that something will definitely happen, so that there is no question of it not happening: I guarantee that you will have the documents by tomorrow.document | How can you guarantee that this won’t happen again?winpledge to promise publicly or officially that you will do something, for example to give help or money: The government has pledged to increase overseas aid to $4 billion over the next five years.havepledgeyearundertake formal to make an official or legal promise to do something: The government undertook to keep price increases to a minimum.undertakeincrease | The two sides undertook to respect each other’s territory.sideundertakecommit to something formal to make a firm and definite promise to do something important, which will affect you for a long time and which could result in serious effects if you fail: Bobby felt unready to commit to a romantic relationship.feel | A group of 11 companies has committed to developing a new passenger plane.companyhavecommitdevelopswear by something phrasal verb informal EFFECTIVEto have great confidence in how good or effective something is: He swears by vitamin C pills.swearpillswear somebody ↔ in phrasal verb [usually passive] PROMISEif someone with a new public job or position is sworn in, they make an official promise to do their duty well: The new governor will be sworn in next week.swearThe jury have not yet been sworn in.beswear
nounLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: thiefth 1[uncountable]STEAL the crime of stealing → thief, burglary, robbery:
Car theft is on the increase.bean arrest for petty theft (=stealing small things)Three men were charged with attempted theft.manbechargeattempt2[countable]STEAL an act of stealing something: There have been a number of thefts in the area.benumbthefttheft ofthe theft of £150 from the officeCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2ADJECTIVES/NOUN + theft attempted theft He was charged with attempted theft.bechargeattemptcar theft British English, auto theft AmE: Northern Ireland had one of the highest levels of car theft in Europe.havehighlevelidentity theft (=when someone steals your personal information and uses it to obtain goods or money) Credit card companies and banks bear the financial loss, rather than the victim of the identity theft.companybankpetty theft (=the stealing of something that is not very valuable) There had been a rash of petty thefts in the hotel.havebetheftart theft Robbers stole paintings worth £25 million in the French Riviera’s biggest art theft.robberstealpaintingbigverbscommit a theft Detectives took us to the place where the theft had been committed.detectivetakehavebecommit
noun [uncountable and countable]Date: 1500-1600Language: French
Origin: Late Latin tortura, from Latin tortus ‘twisted’, from torquere; → TORQUE 1HURT/CAUSE PAINCRUELan act of deliberately hurting someone in order to force them to tell you something, to punish them, or to be cruel:
He died after five days of excruciating torture.dieday2SUFFERsevere physical or mental suffering: The waiting must be torture for you.wait
tortureverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplestorturetorturestorturedtorturingtorturetorture2 verb [transitive]Verb form1HURT/CAUSE PAINto deliberately hurt someone in order to force them to give you information, to punish them, or to be cruel: Political opponents of the regime may be tortured.opponenttorture2SUFFERif a feeling or knowledge tortures you, it makes you suffer a lot mentally SYN torment: Rachel sat alone for hours at home, tortured by jealousy.sithourtorture—torturertorturerstorturer noun [countable]
nounDate: 1900-2000Origin: facsimile 1[countable] a letter or message that is sent in electronic form down a telephone line and then printed using a special machine:
Did you get my fax?do2
[countable] (also fax machine) a machine used for sending and receiving faxes: What’s your fax number?numb3[uncountable] the system of sending letters and messages using a fax machineby faxYou can book tickets by fax or on-line.ticket
faxverbActivator 1Word sets 1 2Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesfaxfaxesfaxedfaxingfaxfax2 verb [transitive]Verb form to send someone a letter or message using a fax machinefax somebody somethingShe asked me to fax her the details.askdetailfax something (through/on) to somebodyThe contract should be faxed to him today.shallfax
adjectiveWord family SURPRISEDused to describe something that is surprising because you were not expecting it: The experiment produced some unexpected results.produceresultHer death was totally unexpected.beHague’s announcement was not entirely unexpected.be—unexpectedlyunexpectedly adverb: His father died unexpectedly.die
noun (plural teeth /tiːθ/) [countable]
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: toth
1in mouth one of the hard white objects in your mouth that you use to bite and eat food: Sugar is bad for your teeth.betooth → baby tooth, → canine tooth at canine2(1), → eye tooth(2), milk tooth, wisdom tooth, buck teeth, false teeth, gap-toothed2on a tool etc one of the sharp or pointed parts that sticks out from the edge of a comb or saw3power have teethPOWER if a law or an organization has teeth, it has the power to force people to obey it: We need an Environment Agency that really has teeth.havetooth4fight tooth and nailFIGHT FOR OR AGAINST STH to try with a lot of effort or determination to do something: We fought tooth and nail to get these plans accepted.fightplanaccept5get your teeth into something informalSTART DOING STH to start to do something with a lot of energy and determination: I can’t wait to get my teeth into the new course.tooth6in the teeth of something in spite of opposition or danger from something: Permission for the development was granted in the teeth of opposition from local shopkeepers.begranttoothshopkeeper7set sb’s teeth on edgeFEEL HAPPY/FRIGHTENED/BORED ETC if a sound or taste sets your teeth on edge, it gives you an uncomfortable feeling in your mouth: a horrible scraping sound that set my teeth on edgescrapetooth → armed to the teeth at armed(1), → cut your teeth on something at cut1(23), → by the skin of your teeth at skin1(9), → be a kick in the teeth at kick2(5), → lie through your teeth at lie2(1), → have a sweet tooth at sweet1(7), → take the bit between your teeth at bit2(9)COLLOCATIONSverbsbrush your teeth (also clean your teeth British English) I brush my teeth twice a day.toothfloss your teeth (=clean between your teeth using dental floss) My dentist said I should floss my teeth more.sayshalltoothhave a tooth out British English, have a tooth pulled American English (=have a tooth removed) He's gone to the dentist to have a tooth out.golose a tooth (=no longer have it) Many of the men had lost all their teeth by the age of 40.manhavelosetoothextract a tooth (=take it out) The dentist announced that she would have to extract two teeth.announcewilltoothbare your teeth (=show them, especially in an angry or threatening way) The dog bared its teeth and snarled.baretoothsnarlgrit/clench your teeth (=put them firmly together) He was gritting his teeth against the pain.begrittoothgrind your teeth (also gnash your teeth literary) (=move them against each other because you are angry) Kate ground her teeth in helpless rage.grindtoothsink your teeth into something (=put your teeth into someone's flesh, into food etc) The dog sank its teeth into the boy's hand.sinktoothsomebody's teeth chatter (=hit together quickly because someone is cold or afraid) My teeth began to chatter, and I regretted leaving my jacket behind.toothbeginregretleavebe cutting a tooth (=have one of your first teeth growing) Poor little Patrick was cutting another tooth and we had hardly had any sleep.becuthavehaveadjectivessomebody's front/back teeth Some of his front teeth were missing.toothbemisswhite/yellow His teeth were white and even.toothbesharp The fish has small but very sharp teeth.havetoothgood/perfect She smiled, showing a mouthful of perfect teeth.smileshowtoothbad/rotten She felt ashamed of her bad teeth and rarely smiled.feeltoothsmileeven (=all of the same height ) His teeth were white and even.toothbecrooked He grinned at me, showing rotten, crooked teeth.grinshowcrooktoothloose I had a loose tooth.havetooth + nountooth decay Brushing regularly helps prevent tooth decay.brushhelpCOMMON ERRORS ► Do not say 'wash your teeth'. Say brush your teeth or clean your teeth.
nounLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: blostm 1[uncountable and countable] a flower or the flowers on a tree or bush:
pale pink blossomsblossomThe cherry tree was covered in blossom.becover2in (full) blossom with the flowers fully open
blossomverbWord sets 1 2Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesblossomblossomsblossomedblossomingblossomblossom2 verb [intransitive]Verb form1if trees blossom, they produce flowers: The apple trees are just beginning to blossom.treebebegin2(also blossom out)HAPPYSUCCESSFUL to become happier, more beautiful, more successful etc: Pete’s blossomed out in his new school.blossomblossom intoThe idea blossomed into a successful mail order business.blossom
noun [countable]Date: 1400-1500Language: Old French
Origin: tonel ‘barrel’, from tonne, from Medieval Latin tunna 1a passage that has been dug under the ground for cars, trains etc to go through:
a railway tunnelthe Channel Tunnel (=between England and France)2HOLEa passage under the ground that animals have dug to live inCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + tunnel a two-mile/1500-foot-long etc tunnel A 250-metre-long tunnel provides access to all parts of the development.provideparta dark tunnel He peered uneasily down the dark tunnel at the end of the platform.peera narrow tunnel She ran down the narrow tunnel leading to the exit.runleadan underground tunnel The prisoners escaped through an underground tunnel.prisonerescapea rail/railway tunnel the 15km long Gotthard railway tunnela road tunnel a road tunnel through the mountainsmountainthe Channel Tunnel (=the tunnel under the sea between England and France) They went by train via the Channel Tunnel.gophrasesthe roof of a tunnel The roof of the tunnel was a foot above his head.bethe entrance to a tunnel/tunnel entrance To the right was the entrance to a second tunnel.beverbsdig a tunnel Burglars had dug a tunnel under the building in an attempted raid.burglarhavedigbuildattemptbuild a tunnel The contractors will start building the tunnel next month.contractorbuilda tunnel leads somewhere The Greenwich Foot Tunnel leads under the RiverThames.lead
tunnelverbCollocations from other entriesActivator 1Word sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplestunneltunnelstunnelledtunneledtunnellingtunnelingtunneltunnel2 verb (past tense and past participle tunnelled, present participle tunnelling British English, tunneled, tunneling American English) [intransitive always + adverb/preposition, transitive]Verb form1DIGto dig a long passage under the groundtunnel into/through/underThey were tunnelling into the mountainside.betunneltunnel your way under/through etcThe prisoners tunneled their way under the fence.prisonertunnel2if insects tunnel into something, they make holes in ittunnel intoThe grubs tunnel into the wood.grub
verb [transitive]Date: 1500-1600Language: Latin
Origin: past participle of inicere, from jacere ‘to throw’ Verb form1to put liquid, especially a drug, into someone’s body by using a special needleinject something into somebody/something
The drug is injected directly into the base of the spine.beinjectinject somebody with somethingI have to inject myself with insulin.2ADDto improve something by adding excitement, interest etc to itinject something into somethingTraditional handbag makers are injecting more fun into their designs.makerbeinjectdesignA market building can inject new life into an area.build3PROVIDEto provide more money, equipment etc for somethinginject something into somethingThey need to inject more money into sports facilities.sportfacility
adjectiveDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: Latin humilis ‘low, humble’, from humus ‘earth’ 1MODESTnot considering yourself or your ideas to be as important as other people’s OPP proud → humility:
a modest and humble man2CLASS IN SOCIETYhaving a low social class or position: He started his career as a humble peanut farmer.starthumble background/origins etcIacocca rose from humble beginnings to become boss of Ford.risebeginning3in my humble opinion spokenTHINK/HAVE THE OPINION THAT used humorously to give your opinion about something4my humble apologies British English spokenSORRY/APOLOGIZE used humorously to say you are sorry5[only before noun]SIMPLE/NOT COMPLICATED simple and ordinary, but useful or effective: The humble potato may be the key to feeding the world’s population.feed6eat humble pieSORRY/APOLOGIZE to admit that you were wrong about something7your humble servant British English old use a formal way of ending a letter8sb’s humble abode someone’s house or apartment – used humorously: Welcome to our humble abode.abide—humblyhumbly adverbTHESAURUSmodest not wanting to talk about your abilities or achievements and to say that you are good at something, even when you are – used to show approval: Miller, a quiet, modest man, gave credit to Asher for the initial discovery.give | She was surprisingly modest about her own achievements as a player.beachievementself-effacing written not wanting to talk about yourself or to attract attention: Her husband was a quiet, self-effacing man who spent much of his time in his study.beeffacespendunassuming not wanting to be noticed and not expecting to be treated in a special way: By now Chapman was famous, but he remained as unassuming as ever.beremain | He then began, in typically unassuming fashion, to establish the first modern dance company.beginhumble believing that you are not more important, better, or cleverer than other people, and therefore not expecting to be treated in a special way: A good leader is humble enough to get advice from experts.beexpertunpretentious not trying to seem better than other people, even if you are rich, famous, clever etc: President Eisenhower was a friendly and unpretentious man who seemed to embody American virtues.beseemvirtue | It's his unpretentious boyish charm that ensures Jackie Chan's position as one of the giants of international cinema.ensuregiantself-deprecating written behaving or talking about your own abilities or achievements in a way that makes them seem unimportant: Despite his intellect, he had an appealing self-deprecating humour.haveappealdeprecate | The nice thing about him is his self-deprecating manner. His intellectual ability was never pushed at you, yet he obviously had great potential.bedeprecatebepushhave | a self-deprecating smiledeprecate
humbleverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryCorpus exampleshumblehumbleshumbledhumblinghumblehumble2 verbVerb form1be humbledMODEST if you are humbled, you realize that you are not as important, good, kind etc as you thought you were: You can’t help but be humbled when you enter this cathedral.humble2[transitive]BEAT/DEFEAT to easily defeat someone who is much stronger than you are: The mighty U.S. army was humbled by a small Southeast Asian country.behumble3humble yourselfMODEST to show that you are not too proud to ask for something, admit you are wrong etc: I knew he had humbled himself to ask for my help.knowhavehumble—humblinghumbling adjective: a humbling experiencehumble
noun [uncountable]Date: 1400-1500Language: French
Origin: gravité, from Latin gravitas, from gravis; → GRAVE1 1technical the force that causes something to fall to the ground or to be attracted to another planet → gravitation:
the force of gravity2formalSERIOUS PERSON the extreme and worrying seriousness of a situationgravity ofI could not hide from her the gravity of the situation.canThe penalties should be proportionate to the gravity of the offence.penaltyshall3SERIOUS/NOT JOKINGan extremely serious way of behaving or speaking: The Consul spoke slowly and with great gravity.speak → centre of gravity
adjectiveDate: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: present participle of arrogare; → ARROGATE PROUDbehaving in an unpleasant or rude way because you think you are more important than other people:
He was unbearably arrogant.bean arrogant attitude—arrogantlyarrogantly adverbTHESAURUSproud very pleased with what you, your family, or your country have achieved, or of something you own: I felt so proud when my son graduated from college.feelgraduate | Judith’s very proud of her new Ferrari.pleased with yourself feeling pleased because something good has happened, especially because you think you have been very clever, skilful etc: He was smoking a big cigar and was obviously pleased with himself.besmokebeplease | I’d made a big profit and was feeling pretty pleased with myself.makebefeelpleasearrogant disapproving behaving in an unpleasant and annoying way, because you think you are better or know more than other people, and that your opinions are always right: He was arrogant and regarded people who disagreed with him as fools.beregarddisagreefool | his arrogant attitude to womenwomanvain disapproving too proud of your appearance, in a way that annoys other people: He’s so vain – he thinks all the girls fancy him.thinkgirlconceited/big-headed disapproving proud of yourself because you think you are very intelligent, skilful, beautiful etc, especially without good reason and in a way that annoys people: Stewart’s the most arrogant conceited person I’ve ever known.know | She was offered a brilliant job and became incredibly big-headed overnight.beofferbecomeheadpompous disapproving thinking that you are much more important than you really are, and using very long and formal words to try to sound important: The clerk was a pompous little man with glasses.beglass | a pompous speechsmug disapproving pleased with yourself in a quiet but annoying way because you think you are in a better position than other people: Milly was looking very smug about coming top of the class.belookcome | a smug expressionself-satisfied disapproving pleased with what you have achieved and showing it clearly in an annoying way: She glared angrily into his self-satisfied face.glaresatisfy | a self-satisfied grinsatisfy
noun [countable]Date: 1300-1400Origin: From the man's name Jack 1a piece of equipment used to lift a heavy weight off the ground, such as a car, and support it while it is in the air:
a hydraulic jack2a card used in card games that has a man’s picture on it and is worth less than a queen and more than a tenjack of hearts/clubs etca pair of jacksjack3an electronic connection for a telephone or other electric machine: a phone jack4a)jacks [plural] a children’s game in which the players try to pick up small objects called jacks while bouncing and catching a ball b)a small metal or plastic object that has six points, used in this game5a small white ball at which players aim larger balls in the game of bowls6jack (shit) American English spoken not politeNONE/NOTHING a rude expression meaning anything at all: He doesn’t know jack shit about cars.car → jumping jack, Union Jack
jackverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplesjackjacksjackedjackingjackjack2 verbVerb formjack somebody around phrasal verb American English spokenANNOY to waste someone’s time by deliberately making things difficult for them: Stop jacking me around and make up your mind!jackjack something ↔ in phrasal verb British English informalSTOP DOING STH to stop doing something: I’d love to jack in my job and go and live in the Bahamas.jack off phrasal verb American English informal not politeSEX/HAVE SEX WITH to masturbatejack something ↔ up phrasal verb1LIFTto lift something heavy off the ground using a jack: Jack the car up higher – I can’t get the tire off.high2informalINCREASE IN NUMBER OR AMOUNT to increase prices, sales etc by a large amount: They’re just interested in jacking up their profit margins.interestjackmargin
adjective (comparative tighter, superlative tightest)
Word familyDate: 1400-1500Origin: thight ‘closely packed, solid, thick’ (14-19 centuries), probably from a Scandinavian language 1clothesTIGHT tight clothes fit your body very closely, especially in a way that is uncomfortable OPP loose:
tight jeansMy shoes were so tight that I could hardly walk.shoebecanThe jacket is rather a tight fit (=it fits too tightly).be2pulled/stretched firmlyTIGHT string, wire, cloth etc that is tight has been pulled or stretched firmly so that it is straight or cannot move: The bandage must be tight enough to stop the bleeding.bleedShe tied the rope around the post and pulled it tight.tiepull3attached firmlyTIGHT a screw, lid etc that is tight is firmly attached and difficult to move: Check that the screws are tight.screwbe4holding something firmly a tight hold/grip if you keep or have a tight hold on something, you hold it firmly: His mother kept a tight hold on his hand.keep5strictCONTROL controlling something very strictly or firmly: The government is keeping tight control on immigration.bekeepkeep a tight grip/hold/rein on something (=control it very firmly)The former dictator still keeps a tight grip on power.keepAnna was determined to keep a tight hold on her feelings.bedeterminefeelingSecurity is always tight for the opening day of parliament.beopenrun/keep a tight ship (=manage a company, organization etc strictly and effectively)6little moneyPOOR if money is tight, you do not have enough of itmoney is tight/things are tightMoney was tight and he needed a job badly.beneedAs you know, I run the magazine on a pretty tight budget.7little timeTIME THAT IS PLANNED if time is tight, it is difficult for you to do everything you need to do in the time available: Time is tight, and she has another meeting to go to this afternoon.behavemeetWe should arrive on time, but it’ll be tight.shallAs usual, his schedule on Saturday was tight (=he had arranged to do several things in a short time).beI'm working to a very tight deadline (=I have to finish a piece of work very quickly).work8little spaceSPACE/ROOM if space is tight, there is only just enough space to fit something into a placebe a tight squeeze/fitSix in the car will be a tight squeeze.9not generous informal not generous, or trying hard to avoid spending money: Don’t be so tight!10close togetherNEAR placed or standing closely together: The animal’s body was curled up in a tight little ball.becurlShe wore her hair in a tight bun.wear11close relationshipRELATIONSHIP a tight group of people, countries etc have a close relationship with each other SYN tight-knit: Together, the young film-makers formed a tight group.makerformthe tight bonds that had grown between thembondhavegrow12bend/turnBEND a tight bend or turn is very curved and turns quickly in another direction: Danny lost control on a tight bend, and the car ran off the road.loserun13chest/stomach/throat if your chest, stomach, or throat feels tight, it feels painful and uncomfortable, because you are ill or worried: Before she went on stage her chest felt tight and her throat hurt.gofeel14expression/smile/voiceANNOYUPSET a tight expression, smile, or voice shows that you are annoyed or worried SYN tight-lipped: ‘Look, I’m sorry ...,’ she said, forcing a tight smile.sayforce15difficult situation in a tight corner/spot informalPROBLEM in a difficult situation: He’s a good man to have around if ever you’re in a tight corner.‘Did something go wrong?’ ‘Let’s just say I got into a bit of a tight spot.’dogetbite16play/performance playing a piece of music or giving a performance very exactly and well, without any pauses or mistakes: The band gave a really tight performance.givea tight, well-rehearsed productionrehearse17game/competitionCOMPETITION a tight game, competition etc is one in which the teams, players etc play equally well, and it is not easy to win: The opening quarter of the game was very tight.openbe18drunk [not before noun] old-fashioned informalDRUNK drunk—tightlytightly adverb: Marie held the baby tightly in her arms.holdarm—tightnesstightnessestightness noun [uncountable] → airtight, watertightTHESAURUSrule/law/systemstrict a strict order or rule is one that must be obeyed: There are strict rules about keeping tax records.berulekeeprecord | He had strict instructions to return the key to me.haveinstructiontight tight controls or limits are very strict about what is allowed and what is not allowed: The report recommends tighter controls on the advertising of alcohol.recommendtightcontroladvertise | There are tight regulations governing waste disposal.beregulationgoverntough tough laws or rules are very strict: They want tougher laws against drinking and driving.toughlawdrinkdrive | The federal government is introducing tough new rules on immigration.beintroduceruleharsh harsh punishments or laws are very severe, often too severe: There are harsh penalties for drug trafficking.bepenaltytraffic | The government has brought in harsh measures to combat the rioting taking place in many cities.havebringmeasureriottakecitystringent controlling what people can do with rules that have very high standards: There are now stringent controls on pollution from all power stations.becontrolstation | stringent new food safety regulationsregulation
tightadverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplestighttighttight2 adverbWord family TIGHTvery firmly or closely SYN tightly: Hold tight to the handrail!I kept my eyes tight shut.keepeye → sit tight at sit(8), → sleep tight at sleep1(4)
noun
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: benc
1SEAToutdoor seat [countable] a long seat for two or more people, especially outdoors: We sat on a park bench.sit2COURTin a law court the bench a)the seat where a judge or magistrate sits in a court of law: Would the prisoner please approach the bench?will b)the position of being a judge or magistrate in a court of law: He was appointed to the bench last year.beappointsit/serve on the bench (=work as a judge or magistrate)3SPORTsports the bench the seat where members of a sports team sit when they are not playing in the game: Batts and Dorigo are on the bench tonight.beSimpson came off the bench to play in midfield.come4POLITICSparliament benches [plural] British English the seats in the British parliament where members of a particular party sit: There was cheering from the Conservative benches.becheerbench → backbench, backbenches, front bench5TABLEtable [countable]WORK/DO WORK a long heavy table used for working on with tools or equipment: a carpenter’s bench
benchverbCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Other dictionary examplesbenchbenchesbenchedbenchingbenchbench2 verb [transitive]Verb form American English to not allow a sports player to play in a game, or to remove them from a game: Anderson has been benched until his injury has healed.havebebenchhaveheal
noun [countable]Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: voiage, from Latin viaticum, from via ‘way’ 1TRAVELa long journey in a ship or spacecraft:
The voyage from England to India used to take six months.usemonththe Titanic’s maiden voyage (=first journey)I don’t want to make the voyage single-handed.handThese are the voyages of the starship Enterprise.bevoyage2voyage of discovery a situation in which you learn a lot of new things about something or someone: Writing a biography is an absorbing voyage of discovery.writebeabsorba voyage of self-discovery (=when you learn more about yourself)
voyageverbCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplesvoyagevoyagesvoyagedvoyagingvoyagevoyage2 verb [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] literaryVerb form TRAVELto travel to a place, especially by ship
noun [countable]
Date: 1300-1400Origin: Perhaps from Scottish Gaelic lub ‘loop, bend’ 1shape or lineCIRCLE a shape like a curve or a circle made by a line curving back towards itself, or a piece of wire, string etc that has this shapeloop of wire/rope/string etc
A loop of wire held the gate shut.holdbelt loop (=a loop of material for holding a belt on trousers etc)2computer a set of operations in a computer program that are continuously repeated3film/music a film or music loop contains images or sounds that are continuously repeated4be in the loop/be out of the loop informal to be or not be part of a group of people who make important decisions5knock/throw somebody for a loop American English informalSURPRISED to surprise and upset someone6road/railway British English a road or railway line that leaves the main road or track and then joins it again further on
loopverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2Phrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus exampleslooploopsloopedloopinglooploop2 verbVerb form1[intransitive and transitive] to make a loop or make something into a looploop something over/around etc somethingHe looped the rope over the post.loop2[intransitive]TURN to move in a circular direction that forms the shape of a loop: The ball looped over the goalkeeper into the back of the net.loop3loop the loop to fly a plane up and around in a circle so that the plane is upside down for a time
noun [countable]1a pain in your head: If you have a headache, you should take some aspirin.shall2informalPROBLEM a problem that is difficult or annoying to deal with: Security is a big headache for airline operators.beoperator—headachyheadachy adjective: a headachy feelingfeelGrammarHeadache is a countable noun: I had a headache (NOT I had headache).havehaveCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesbad/terrible/severe I’ve got a really bad headache.geta splitting headache (=a very bad headache) The next day he woke up with a splitting headache.wakesplita throbbing/pounding/blinding headache (=a very bad headache) He had a throbbing headache, behind his nose and his eyes.havethrobeyea slight headache (also a bit of a headache spoken) (=one that is not very serious ) I’d rather stay at home – I’ve got a bit of a headache.getbiteverbshave a headache (also have got a headache spoken) She’s not coming – she says she’s got a headache.comesaygetget headaches/suffer from headaches (=regularly have a headache) He often gets headaches at school.getheadachegive somebody a headache The music was starting to give him a headache.bestartcause headaches The drug can cause headaches.headachecomplain of a headache (=say that you have a headache) Your child may complain of headaches or problems seeing the blackboard.headacheproblemseea headache goes away (=it stops) I'd like to lie down for a bit to make my headache go away,biteCOMMON ERRORS ► Do not say 'a strong/heavy headache'. Say a bad headache.Do not say 'a little headache'. Say a slight headache or a bit of a headache.THESAURUSheadache a pain in your head: Looking at a computer for a long time can give you a headache.lookhangover a headache and feeling of sickness that you get the day after you have drunk too much alcohol: The next day I had a terrible hangover.havemigraine /ˈmiːɡreɪn, ˈmaɪ- $ ˈmaɪ-/ a very bad headache, which makes you feel sick and have difficulty seeing: He has suffered from migraines all his life.havesuffermigraine
verb [transitive]Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: assigner, from Latin assignare, from ad- ‘to’ + signare ‘to mark’ Verb form1JOB/TASKto give someone a particular job or make them responsible for a particular person or thingassign somebody a task/role
I’ve been assigned the task of looking after the new students.beassignlookstudentassign somebody to somethingJan’s been assigned to the Asian Affairs Bureau.beassignaffairassign somebody to do somethingMadison was assigned to investigate a balloon accident.beassignassign somebody somethingAssign each student a partner.2DECIDEto give a particular time, value, place etc to something: How much time have you assigned for the meeting?assignmeetassign something to somethingA code was assigned to each batch of work.beassign3GIVEto give money, equipment etc to someone to useassign something to somebodyA personal bodyguard had been assigned to her.havebeassignassign somebody somethingThey assigned me a small room.assign
noun [uncountable]Word familyDate: 1100-1200Language: Old French
Origin: Latin fama ‘report, fame’ FAMOUSthe state of being known about by a lot of people because of your achievements:
He claims he is not really interested in fame.claimbeinterestof ... fame (=used to show what someone is famous for)Muhammad Ali, of boxing fameboxCOLLOCATIONSverbswin/gain fame He won fame when he appeared in the film ‘The Graduate’.winappearachieve/find fame Amy Johnson found fame as a pilot.findbring/win somebody/something fame Chomsky’s theories about language brought him fame.theorybringrise to fame (=become famous) She rose to fame during the early Sixties.riseshoot to fame (=become famous very suddenly) She shot to fame as a result of her victory in the Olympics.shootseek fame (=try to become famous) He sought fame in the jazz clubs of New York.seekclubenjoy fame (=be famous) The town briefly enjoyed fame as the location of a popular television series.enjoyadjectivesinternational/worldwide fame Edinburgh achieved international fame as a centre of medical education.achievenational fame Her oil paintings won her national fame.paintingwinlasting fame (=being famous for a long time) Diderot gained lasting fame as the editor of the French Encyclopaedia.gainlastbrief fame (=being famous for a short time) Ed achieved brief fame as a pop singer in the late 1980s.achieveinstant fame The success of her first novel brought her instant fame.bringgreat fame His acting ability brought him great fame.actbringnew-found fame Anna was finding it difficult to get used to her new-found fame.befindusefindphrasessb’s/sth’s rise to fame Her rise to fame has been astonishingly rapid.havebeat the height of sb’s/sth’s fame (=when someone was most famous) At the height of his fame, he could earn $5,000 a day.cansb’s/sth’s claim to fame (=reason for being famous) One of his main claims to fame is having invented the electric light bulb.claimbehaveinventfame and fortune (=being rich and famous) He came to London to seek fame and fortune.come
verb [transitive]Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: assurer, from Medieval Latin assecurare, from Latin ad- ‘to’ + securus ‘safe’ Verb form1PROMISEto tell someone that something will definitely happen or is definitely true so that they are less worried SYN reassureassure somebody that
Her doctor has assured us that she’ll be fine.haveassureThe document is genuine, I can assure you.beassure somebody of somethingThe dealer had assured me of its quality.haveassure → rest assured at rest2(5)2CERTAINLY/DEFINITELYto make something certain to happen or to be achieved SYN ensure: Excellent reviews have assured the film’s success.reviewassureassure somebody (of) somethingA win on Saturday will assure them of promotion to Division One.3assure yourself formal to check that something is correct or trueassure yourself thatTim waited a moment to assure himself that he was not being followed.waitbebefollowassure yourself ofI took steps to assure myself of her guilt.takestep4the sum assured formal the amount of insurance money to be paid out when someone diesTHESAURUSpromise to tell someone that you will definitely do something, or that something will happen: He promised to give the book back.promise | The organisers have promised that this year’s event will take place.promiseswear to make a very serious and sincere promise, for example in a law court: He had sworn to tell the truth.haveswear | I would never do that, I swear.willgive somebody your word especially spoken to promise sincerely that you will do something or that something is true – often used when you are trying to persuade someone that they can trust you: I give you my word that your money is safe with me.be | I’ll let you go out tonight if you give me your word that you’ll be home by 11.vow to make a very serious promise, often to yourself: She vowed that she would never drink alcohol again.vowwill | They vowed to carry on their campaign for justice.vowassure to promise someone that something will happen or that something is true, in order to try to make them feel less worried: Police have assured the public that they are doing everything they can to find the killer.assurebedoguarantee to promise that you will make sure that something will definitely happen, so that there is no question of it not happening: I guarantee that you will have the documents by tomorrow.document | How can you guarantee that this won’t happen again?winpledge to promise publicly or officially that you will do something, for example to give help or money: The government has pledged to increase overseas aid to $4 billion over the next five years.havepledgeyearundertake formal to make an official or legal promise to do something: The government undertook to keep price increases to a minimum.undertakeincrease | The two sides undertook to respect each other’s territory.sideundertakecommit to something formal to make a firm and definite promise to do something important, which will affect you for a long time and which could result in serious effects if you fail: Bobby felt unready to commit to a romantic relationship.feel | A group of 11 companies has committed to developing a new passenger plane.companyhavecommitdevelop
noun [countable]Language: Old English
1GROUP OF THINGSa large untidy pile of things: a rubbish heapheap ofThere was a heap of stones where the building used to be.bestonebuildusein a heapThe envelopes for posting lay in a heap on her desk.envelopepostlieWe piled the branches into heaps for burning.pilebranchheapburn2heaps informalLOT/VERY MUCH a lot of somethingheaps ofThe children have heaps of energy.childheapheaps better/bigger etc (=much better, bigger etc)3fall/collapse etc in a heapFALL to fall down and lie without moving: They finally collapsed in a heap on the grass.collapse4humorousOLD/NOT NEW an old car that is in bad condition5at the top/bottom of the heap high up and successful or low down and unsuccessful in an organization or in society: The very poor are at the bottom of the heap.be6be struck all of a heap British English old-fashioned informalSURPRISED to be suddenly very surprised or confusedTHESAURUSpile a group of things of the same type that are put on top of each other: a huge pile of cardboard boxesboxstack a neat pile of things of the same type: There were stacks of books on the floor.bestackbookheap a large messy pile of things: All his clothes were in a heap on the floor.clothebemound a pile of something with a round shape: a small mound of rice on the platemountain a very large pile of something with a round shape: a mountain of dirty laundry waiting to be washedwaitwash
heapverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesheapheapsheapedheapingheapheap2 verb [transitive]Verb form1(also heap up)PUT to put a lot of things on top of each other in an untidy way SYN pileheap onJean heaped logs on the fire.heaplog2LOT/LARGE NUMBER OR AMOUNTheap something with something to put a lot of something on a surface SYN pile: She gave him a glass of whisky and heaped his plate with food.giveheap3heap praise/insults etc on somebodyPRAISEINSULT to praise, insult etc someone a lot: He heaped all the blame on his secretary.heap
nounLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: godsibb ‘godparent, close friend’, from god ‘god’ + sibb ‘relative’ 1[uncountable]RUMOUR/RUMOR information that is passed from one person to another about other people’s behaviour and private lives, often including unkind or untrue remarksgossip about
Here’s an interesting piece of gossip about Mrs Smith.interestWhat’s the latest gossip?lateDo you want to hear some juicy gossip?She had no time for idle gossip.haveIt was common gossip how he felt about her.befeelYou miss a lot of office gossip when you have a day off work.On Sundays all the men gather in the square to exchange local gossip.man2[countable usually singular] a conversation in which you exchange information with someone about other people’s lives and things that have happened: Phil’s in there, having a gossip with Maggie.have3[countable]RUMOUR/RUMOR someone who likes talking about other people’s private lives – used to show disapproval: Rick’s a terrible gossip.COLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + gossipthe latest gossip Annie usually has all the latest gossip.havelatejuicy gossip (=interesting gossip) He said that he had some especially juicy gossip to tell us.sayhavehot gossip (=interesting gossip) What’s the latest hot gossip going round at work then?lategoidle gossip (=gossip not based on facts) She had no time for idle gossip.havecommon gossip (=gossip that everyone knows about) Rumours about her affairs had become common gossip.rumouraffairhaveoffice gossip He told her a few bits of office gossip which he though might interest her.tellbitvillage gossip BrE: She knew from village gossip how Harry had treated his first wife.knowhavetreatmalicious gossip (=unkind gossip that is likely to upset someone) Has someone been spreading malicious gossip?havebespreadphrasesa piece of gossip I’ve got an interesting piece of gossip which might interest you.getinterestbe the subject of gossip (=be talked about) His close friendship with Carol was the subject of gossip.beverbsexchange gossip (=talk about other people and their private lives with someone) They used to meet up and exchange gossip.usehear gossip Have you heard the latest gossip about Steve?hearlatelisten to gossip He was always willing to listen to gossip.bewillspread gossip Someone’s been spreading gossip about Lucy and Ian.bespreadgossip goes around (=it is told by one person to another) It was a small village, and any gossip went around very quickly.bego
gossipverbCollocations from other entriesThesaurus 1Activator 1 2Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesgossipgossipsgossipedgossipinggossipgossip2 verb [intransitive]Verb form TALK TO SBto talk about other people’s behaviour and private lives, often including remarks that are unkind or untruegossip aboutThe whole town was gossiping about them.begossipTHESAURUSto talk about everyday thingshave a conversation to talk to someone for a long time about everyday things: She was having a conversation with one of her friends.behavefriend | When I arrived, Joe and Jane were deep in conversation (=very involved in a conversation).arrivebe | I can order food in a restaurant in French, but not have a conversation.chat/have a chat informal to have a friendly informal conversation about things that are not very important: The girls were chatting outside the house.girlbechat | It’s been nice having a chat with you.behavegossip to talk about other people’s private lives when they are not there, especially about things that you have heard, which are not completely true: What are you two gossiping about?begossipvisit with somebody American English informal to have a conversation with someone: I visited with him last week.visitconverse formal to have a conversation with someone: We met once and conversed briefly.meetconverse
preposition, conjunction spoken UNTILuntil: I didn’t have a boyfriend till I was 17.beThe shop’s open till nine o'clock on Fridays.
tillnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesActivator 1 2Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplestilltillstilltill2 /tɪl/ noun [countable]Date: 1400-1500Language: Anglo-French
Origin: tylle 1British English a machine used in shops, restaurants etc for calculating the amount you have to pay, and for storing the money SYN cash register American English2in the till American English money in the till is money that a company or organization has:
You keep as much money as you need in the till to run your operations.operation3have your hands/fingers in the till to steal money from the place where you workbe caught with your hands/fingers in the till (=to be caught stealing from your employer)
tillverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplestilltillstilledtillingtilltill3 verb [transitive]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: tilian Verb form to prepare land for growing crops SYN cultivatetill the soil/land/fields etc
noun [uncountable]Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: veluotte, from velu ‘hairy’, from Vulgar Latin villutus, from Latin villus ‘rough hair’ a type of expensive cloth with a soft surface on one side:
green velvet drapesdrape
noun (plural remedies) [countable]Date: 1200-1300Language: Anglo-French
Origin: remedie, from Latin remedium, from mederi ‘to heal’ 1SOLVE/DEAL WITH A PROBLEMa way of dealing with a problem or making a bad situation better SYN solution:
The problems in our schools do not have a simple remedy.problemschoolremedy forThe program is one remedy for discrimination.be2a medicine to cure an illness or pain that is not very serious SYN curecold/cough remedyremedy fora remedy for coldscoldherbal/natural remedya natural remedy that helps insomniahelpa home remedy (=one that you make at home) for sore throatsthroatThe herb is used as a folk remedy (=a traditional medicine, rather than one a doctor gives you) for a baby’s teething pains.beuseteethepain3beyond/without remedy formalSOLVE/DEAL WITH A PROBLEM if a situation is beyond remedy, nothing can be done to make it better: She felt as if her marital problems were beyond remedy.feelproblembeCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2ADJECTIVES/NOUN + remedy a cold/cough/flu remedy Most cold remedies have little effect.remedya herbal remedy He brought with him a bottle of his own herbal remedy for hayfever.bringa natural remedy She began to look into alternative methods of treatment, such as natural remedies and hypnotherapy.beginmethodremedya home remedy (=one that you make at home) Home remedies for colds include honey and lemon.remedycolda traditional/folk remedy Fish oil has been used as a folk remedy since the eighteenth century.havebeuseverbstake a remedy Have you tried taking herbal remedies?trytakeremedyTHESAURUScure a medicine or medical treatment that makes an illness go away: The scientists are trying to find a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease.scientistbetryremedy a way to treat a health problem, especially a small problem such as a cold, using plants or other natural methods: Rinsing with salt water is a good home remedy for a sore throat.rinsebe | The store sells herbal remedies.sellremedyantidote a medicine that will stop the effects of a poison or dangerous drug: There is no known antidote to a bite from this snake.beknow
remedyverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesremedyremediesremediedremedyingremedyremedy2 verb (past tense and past participle remedied, present participle remedying, third person singular remedies) [transitive]Verb form SOLVE/DEAL WITH A PROBLEMto deal with a problem or improve a bad situation SYN put right: To remedy the situation, the water must be chemically treated.treat
nounWord family1[countable]PROMISE a promise that something will definitely happen or is definitely true, made especially to make someone less worried: Despite my repeated assurances, Rob still looked very nervous.repeatassurancelookgive/seek/receive an assurance (that)He gave an assurance that the work would be completed by Wednesday.givewillcomplete2[uncountable]CONFIDENT a feeling of calm confidence about your own abilities, or that you are right about something: the calm assurance with which she handled the horsehandle‘Jack will never agree to that,’ he said with assurance.say3[uncountable] British English technical insurance, especially to provide money when someone dies SYN insurance American English → life assurance
adjective UNUSUALdifferent from what is usual or normal: an unusual featureunusual circumstancescircumstanceIt’s unusual for Dave to be late.It’s not unusual (=it is quite common) to feel very angry in a situation like this.COLLOCATIONSadverbsvery/most/highly unusual Gandhi was a most unusual politician.beextremely unusual We’ve not had any snow yet, which is extremely unusual.haveberather/somewhat/quite/fairly unusual The design of the house was somewhat unusual.bephrasesnothing unusual There is nothing unusual about the arrangement.besomething unusual We want to know if anyone saw something unusual last night.seeanything unusual Did you notice anything unusual about him?doTHESAURUSevents/situationsunusual different from what usually happens: We had snow in May, which is very unusual.haveberare not happening very often, or existing only in small numbers: Violent crimes are rare.crimebe | Hatton gathered many rare plants from all over the world.gatherplantexceptional /ɪkˈsepʃənəl/ very unusual and happening very rarely: 90-day visas can be extended only in exceptional circumstances.visaextendcircumstance | The presence of a jury in a civil trial is now quite exceptional.beout of the ordinary unusual and surprising or special: It was a small village where nothing out of the ordinary ever seemed to happen.beseemfreak extremely unusual and unexpected - used about an accident, storm etc: A freak wave wrecked most of the seafront.wreck | Their car was crushed by a tree in a freak accident.becrushunprecedented /ʌnˈpresədentəd, ʌnˈpresɪdentəd/ if something is unprecedented, it has never happened before - often used about successes and achievements: An unprecedented number of students have received top grades.numbstudentreceivegrade | This kind of deal is unprecedented.beunheard of if something is unheard of, it has never happened or been done before - used especially when something seems very surprising to people at that time: In our small town, this kind of crime was almost unheard of.be | unheard-of luxuries such as electric windows and air-conditioningluxurywindowconditionpeople/behaviour/methods etceccentric behaving in a way that seems rather strange but not frightening: The house was owned by an eccentric millionaire.beown | eccentric behaviourunconventional very different from the way people usually behave, think, dress etc, often in a way that seems interesting: His parents had a rather unconventional lifestyle, and let their children do whatever they pleased.parenthavechildplease | His approach to business may seem unconventional, but he certainly gets results.getresultunorthodox unorthodox ideas or methods are different from the usual ones, and therefore seem surprising to many people: He is known for his unorthodox political views.beknowview | unorthodox teaching methodsteachmethod
noun (plural galaxies)Date: 1300-1400Language: Late Latin
Origin: galaxias, from Greek, from gala ‘milk’; because the Galaxy looks milky white from the Earth 1[countable] one of the large groups of stars that make up the universe2the Galaxy the large group of stars which our Sun and its planets belong to3[singular]GROUP OF THINGS a large number of things that are similargalaxy of
a galaxy of British artistic talentTHESAURUSin the skystar a large ball of burning gas in space, which can be seen at night as a point of light in the sky: The dark night sky was clear and full of stars.bestarplanet one of the large objects that goes around the sun, for example the Earth, Saturn, Mercury, or Mars: The planet Uranus was discovered in 1781.bediscoversun the star that gives us light and heat, around which the planets move. There are also many millions of other suns in the universe: The sun came out from behind a cloud.come | a dying sundiemoon the round object that moves around the Earth every 28 days, or a similar object that goes around another planet: The moon rose in the night sky.rise | Titan is one of the moons of Saturn.bemoonasteroid a mass of rock that moves around the sun. Most asteroids are found between Jupiter and Mars: the asteroid beltpulsar a type of star that is far away in space and produces radiation and radio wavesquasar an object like a star that is far away in space and shines extremely brightlysupernova a very large exploding starconstellation a group of stars that forms a particular pattern and has a name: The constellation of Orion is one of the most easily recognizable patterns of stars in the night sky.bepatternstargalaxy one of the large groups of stars that make up the universe: Astronomers have detected a galaxy 11 billion light years away.astronomerdetectyearthe universe all space, including all the stars and planets: How many planets in the universe have life?planet
GalaxyGalaxyGalaxyGalaxy
trademark1a type of chocolate bar made of light-brown chocolate by the British company Rowntree2a type of people carrier (=a large car that can carry seven or eight people) made by Ford, which is especially popular in the UK with families
nounDate: 1300-1400Language: French
Origin: enfant, from Latin infans, from infans ‘unable to speak’, from fari ‘to speak’ 1[countable] formalBABY/HAVE A BABY a baby or very young child:
An infant’s skin is very sensitive.be → Sudden Infant Death Syndrome2infants [plural] children in school in Britain between the ages of four and eightCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1 adjectivesa young infant The never-ending demands of a young infant can be very stressful for parents.enddemandparenta newborn infant Newborn infants only a few hours old can distinguish between different voices.infanthourvoicean unborn infant Unborn infants can hear certain sounds while still in the mother’s womb.infantsounda premature infant (=born too early) The hospital provides life-saving care to premature infants.providesaveinfanta healthy infant Amy gave birth to a healthy infant.givea sick infant Sick infants are treated in the intensive care nursery.infantbetreatinfant + NOUNinfant deaths The number of infant deaths has fallen significantly.numbdeathhavefallinfant mortality (=the number of infants who die) The infant mortality rate doubled during the 1990s.doubleTHESAURUSbaby a very young child who has not yet learned to speak or walk: I sat next to a woman holding a baby.sitholdtoddler a baby who has learned how to walk: The playground has a special area for toddlers.havetoddlerinfant formal a baby or a very young child: The disease is mainly found in infants.befindinfantlittle one spoken informal a baby, or a small child up to the age of about three: How old is your little one?beyoung the babies of an animal or bird: Kangaroos carry their young in a pouch.kangaroolitter a group of baby animals that are born at the same time to the same mother: Our cat has just had a litter of six kittens.havehavekitten
infantadjectiveCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from this entryCorpus examplesinfantinfantinfant2 adjective [only before noun]1infant school/teacher/class etc a school, teacher etc for children aged between four and eight in Britain2intended for babies or very young children: infant formula milk3NEWan infant company, organization etc has just started to exist or be developed: infant industriesindustry
nounDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: triumphe, from Latin triumphus 1[countable]WIN an important victory or success after a difficult struggle:
Winning the championship is a great personal triumph.winbetriumph fora tremendous diplomatic triumph for Francetriumph overthe triumph over hardship2HAPPY[uncountable] a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction that you get from victory or success: a shout of triumphin triumphHe rode in triumph to the Tsar.ride3[singular]SUCCESSFUL a very successful example of somethingtriumph ofThe gallery is a triumph of design.beTHESAURUSvictory noun [uncountable and countable] a situation in which you win a battle, game, election, or dispute: The crowds celebrated Italy’s victory against England.crowdcelebrate | The party won a comfortable victory in the general election.win | We’re very confident of victory.win noun [countable] a victory in a sports game or in a competition: It was an important win for the Yankees.be | A couple from London are celebrating a big lottery win.becelebratetriumph noun [countable] written an important victory, especially in war or politics: Thatcher’s greatest triumph was becoming the UK’s first female Prime Minister.greatbebecomeconquest noun [countable] a situation in which one country wins a war against another country and takes control of it: the Spanish conquest of Mexico | Caesar is well-known for his military conquests.beknowconquestlandslide noun [countable] an election victory in which one party or candidate gets far more votes than their opponents: In 1945, there was a Labour landslide.bewalkover especially British English, cakewalk American English noun [countable] informal a very easy victory: The match was expected to be a walkover for Brazil.beexpectupset noun [countable] a situation in which the person, team, party etc that was expected to win is defeated: Truman pulled off the greatest election upset in United States history.pullgreatunitestate
triumphverbCollocations from other entriesThesaurus 1Corpus examplestriumphtriumphstriumphedtriumphingtriumphtriumph2 verb [intransitive] formalVerb form WINto gain a victory or success after a difficult struggletriumph overIn the end, good shall triumph over evil.THESAURUSwin to be the best or most successful in a competition, game, election etc: Italy won the World Cup in 2006.win | He has a realistic chance of winning the Championship.havewincome first/be first to win a race or competition: Our team came first.come | Jo was first in the race and I was second.bebefinish in first place (also come in first) to win a race, competition, or election: The Democratic candidate finished in first place.finish | I couldn’t believe it when the horse I chose came in first.choosecometriumph written to win a great victory, especially after a long and difficult battle, game etc: Britain triumphed over its enemies.triumphenemy | In the end, the Yankees triumphed.triumphcome out on top informal to win a game, competition, argument etc: United came out on top after a thrilling game.unitecomethrill | They did a survey and the Swedish car-maker came out on top.docome | If you try to argue with him, he always comes out on top.comebe leading/be in the lead to be winning a game, race election etc at the moment: The High School team are leading with sixty points.beleadpoint | With only two minutes left to play, we were still in the lead.minuteleavebebe ahead to be doing better than someone else in a game, competition, or election: He’s still fifty seconds ahead of his nearest rival.secondnear | A week before the election, they were still ahead in the polls.bepoll
TriumphTriumphTriumphTriumph
trademark an type of motorcycle made by the British company Triumph, which is known for being well-made in a traditional way. The Triumph company also used to make sports cars.
nounLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: seolc 1[uncountable] a thin smooth soft cloth made from very thin thread which is produced by a silkworm:
pure silk stockingsstockinga beautiful dress in raw silk2[countable] British English law a very important lawyer SYN Queen’s Counsel (QC): His practice quickly grew and he took silk (=became a QC) in 1988.growtake3silks [plural] technical the coloured shirts worn by jockeys (=people who ride horses in races)4make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear to make something good out of something that is bad quality
nounWord familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: Latin traditio ‘act of handing over’; → TRAITOR 1TRADITION[uncountable and countable] a belief, custom, or way of doing something that has existed for a long time, or these beliefs, customs etc in general:
the traditions of South East Asiatraditionthe tradition that the eldest son inherits the propertyoldinheritBy tradition, it’s the bride’s parents who pay for the wedding.parent2(be) in the tradition of somebody/somethingWAY/MANNER to have the same features as something that has been made or done in the past: His paintings are very much in the tradition of Picasso and Matisse.paintingbeCOLLOCATIONSadjectives/NOUN + traditiona long tradition This country has a long tradition of accepting political refugees.haveacceptrefugeea time-honoured/long-standing tradition (=a long tradition) In time-honoured tradition, they have a drink in every pub along the high street.honoura strong tradition There is a strong tradition of sport at the school.bean old/ancient tradition In rural Wales, the old traditions persisted.traditionpersista family tradition According to family tradition, he must sing at his own wedding.accorda cultural/religious tradition cultural traditions that date back many generationstraditiongenerationa local tradition The villagers are all keen to preserve local traditions.villagerbetraditionAmerican/British/Western etc tradition The festival is a part of the Scottish tradition which is worth preserving.bebepreserveverbsfollow a tradition (=do what has been done before) He followed the family tradition and became a doctor.followbecomemaintain/carry on/continue/uphold a tradition (=make a tradition continue in the same way or at the same standard as before) We maintain a tradition of cider making dating from Norman times.makedatetimebreak with tradition (=not follow a tradition) Why not break with tradition and study at Leeds, say, or London, instead of Oxford?establish a tradition They are continuing a tradition established by the firm’s Victorian founder.becontinueestablishbe steeped in tradition (=have many traditions) It is an area of the country steeped in tradition.besteepTHESAURUShabit something you do regularly, often without thinking about it: Biting your nails is a bad habit.bitenailbe | I always go to the same supermarket, out of habit.mannerism a way of speaking or a small movement of your face or body that is part of your usual behaviour: Even her mannerisms are the same as her sister’s.mannerismbecustom something that people in a particular society do because it is traditional or the accepted thing to do: In Japan it is the custom to take off your shoes when you enter a house.beshoetradition a belief, custom, or way of doing something that has existed for a long time: The tradition of giving Easter eggs goes back hundreds of years.giveegggohundredyear | In many countries, it’s a tradition for the bride to wear white.country | It was a family tradition to go for a walk on Christmas Day.bepractice something that people often do, especially as part of their work or daily life: The hotel has ended the practice of leaving chocolates in guests’ rooms.haveendleavechocolateguestroom
noun [countable]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: scield
1 a)a large piece of metal or leather that soldiers used in the past to protect themselves when fighting b)a piece of equipment made of strong plastic, used by the police to protect themselves against angry crowds SYN riot shield → human shield2a)something in the shape of a shield, wide at the top and curving to a point at the bottom, that is given as a prize for winning a competition, especially a sports competition b)a drawing or model of a shield, wide at the top and curving to a point at the bottom, that is used as a coat of arms3PROTECTsomething that protects a person or thing from harm or damageshield againstThe immune system is our body’s shield against infection.be4American English the small piece of metal that a police officer wears to show that they are a police officer SYN badge
shieldverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesshieldshieldsshieldedshieldingshieldshield2 verb [transitive]Verb form PROTECTto protect someone or something from being harmed or damaged: Women will often lie to shield even the most abusive partner.womanshield somebody/something from somebody/somethingHe held up his hands, shielding his eyes from the sun.holdhandshieldeyeimport tariffs that shield firms from foreign competitiontarifffirmRegisterShield is used mostly in journalism or literature. In everyday English, people usually say protect:He used his hands to protect his eyes from the sun.usehandeyeTHESAURUSprotect to keep someone or something safe from harm, damage, or illness: Don’t worry, I’ll protect you. | The government wants to protect the environment.want | Eating healthily helps to protect against many diseases.eathelpdiseasegive/offer/provide protection to protect someone from something harmful: Wearing a hat offers some protection from the sun.wearoffer | The drug can give protection against cancer. | The law provides no protection.provideguard to protect a person, place, or object by staying near them and watching them: Police officers guarded the entrance to the building.officerguardbuild | He is guarded by armed men.beguardarmmansave to protect someone or something when they are in danger of being harmed or destroyed: Local people are fighting to save the theatre from demolition.befight | Emergency aid could save millions of people who are threatened with starvation.canbethreatenpreserve to keep something, especially buildings or the environment, from being harmed, destroyed, or changed too much: The organization works to preserve forests.workforest | There is little money for preserving historic buildings.bepreservebuildingsafeguard to protect something important, such as people’s rights, interests, jobs, health etc: The deal will safeguard 200 jobs at the factory.job | Laws should do more to safeguard the rights of victims.lawshallrightvictimshield to put something in front of something else to protect it. Also used to talk about protecting people from unpleasant situations: He lifted his hand to shield his eyes from the light.lifteye | They thought the public should be shielded from the truth.thinkshallshieldshelter to provide a place where someone or something is protected from the weather or from danger: The village is sheltered by a belt of trees.besheltertree | His family had sheltered Jews during the war.haveshelterharbour British English, harbor American English to help and protect someone who has done something illegal, and prevent the police from finding them: He is accused of harbouring suspected terrorists.beaccuseharboursuspectterrorist
noun [countable]1[usually singular]GROUP OF THINGS a group of people or things, especially one that is large or impressivearray ofa dazzling array of flowersdazzleflowera bewildering array of optionsbewilderoptiona vast/impressive/wide arrayThere was a vast array of colours to choose from.becolour2technical a set of numbers or signs, or of computer memory units, arranged in lines across or down
arrayverbCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesarrayarraysarrayedarrayingarrayarray2 verb [transitive usually passive]Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: arayer, from Vulgar Latin arredare Verb form1literaryPUT ON CLOTHES to wear particular clothes, especially clothes of good qualityarrayed in something
She came in arrayed in all her finery.comearray2literaryARRANGE A MEETING, EVENT ETC to arrange something in an attractive wayarrayed on somethingmake-up arrayed on the bathroom counterarray3formal to put soldiers in position ready to fight
verb (past tense and past participle begged, present participle begging)
Date: 1200-1300Origin: Probably from Old English bedecian Verb form1ask [intransitive and transitive] to ask for something in an anxious or urgent way, because you want it very much:
She begged and pleaded with them until they finally agreed.begpleadagreeShe fought back the sudden urge to run to him and beg his forgiveness.fightbeg to do somethingThe children begged to come with us.childbegbeg somebody to do somethingI begged Helen to stay, but she wouldn’t listen.begbeg (somebody) for somethingShe ran to the nearest house and begged for help.runnearbegWe could hear the prisoners begging for mercy.canprisonerbegI beg of you formal (=please)Listen, I beg of you.beg leave to do something formal (=ask permission to do something)2money/food [intransitive and transitive]ASK FOR STH/ASK SB TO DO STH to ask people to give you food, money etc, usually because you are very poorbeg (something) from somebodya ragged child begging from passing shoppersragbegpassshopperbeg forThe old man went from door to door begging for food.gobega begging letter (=a letter asking for money)beg3animal [intransitive] if a dog begs, it sits up with its front legs off the ground4I beg your pardon spoken a)REPEATused to ask someone to repeat what they have just said: ‘The meeting’s on Wednesday.’ ‘I beg your pardon?’ ‘I said the meeting’s on Wednesday.’meetsaymeet b)SORRY/APOLOGIZEused to say sorry when you have made a mistake, or said something wrong or embarrassing: Oh, I beg your pardon. I thought you said 15 pence, not 50.thinksaypenny c)DISAGREEused to show that you strongly disagree with something that someone has said, or think it is unacceptable: ‘Chicago’s an awful place.’ ‘I beg your pardon, that’s where I’m from!’5I beg to differ spoken formalDISAGREE used to say firmly that you do not agree with something that has been said: I must beg to differ on this point.6beg the question a)to make you want to ask a question that has not yet been answeredbeg the question ofThis proposal begs the question of who is going to pay for the new building.begbegobuild b)to treat an idea as though it were true or had been proved, when this may not be the case7be going begging British English spokenAVAILABLE if something is going begging, it is available for anyone who wants it: There’s a beer going begging, if anyone’s interested.gobeginterest8beg, borrow, or steal to do whatever you must in order to get what you want – often used humorously: She’d beg, borrow, or steal the money for those shoes.shoeTHESAURUSto ask for somethingask for to tell someone you want them to give you something: I’m going to ask for a pay rise.goorder to ask for food or drink in a restaurant: We ordered some more coffee.order | Have you ordered yet?orderdemand to ask for something in a firm way, insisting that someone gives you what you ask for: They’re demanding immediate payment.demand | If the goods are faulty, you can demand a refund.goodberequest formal to ask for something: The pilot requested permission to land.request | I enclose the information you requested.requestbeg/plead to ask for something in an urgent way, because you want it very much and will be very unhappy if you do not get it: He begged me for some money.beg | I’m not going to plead for forgiveness.gonag/pester to keep asking someone for something, in an annoying way: She keeps nagging me for a new phone.keepnag | People were pestering him for his autograph.bepester
noun
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: fyr 1flames that destroy things [uncountable and countable]FIRE uncontrolled flames, light, and heat that destroy and damage things:
The warehouse was completely destroyed by fire.bedestroyThirty people died in a fire in downtown Chicago.diePolice think that the fire was started deliberately.bestartRioters set fire to a whole row of stores (=made them start burning).store2flames for heating/cooking etc [countable]FIRE burning material used to heat a room, cook food etc, or get rid of things you do not want: You put up the tent and I’ll make a fire.Can you help me light the fire?The fire has almost gone out (=stopped burning).havegoThey all sat around the camp fire, singing songs.sitsingsongThe fire was still smouldering in the grate (=there was a little smoke and it had almost stopped burning).besmoulderby the fire/in front of the fireCome and sit by the fire.They dried their clothes in front of an open fire.dryclothe3heating equipment [countable] British English a machine that produces heat to warm a room, using gas or electricity as power: a gas firean electric fireturn the fire on/offTurn on the fire, I’m cold.turn the fire up/down (=make it hotter or colder)4shooting [uncountable]SHOOT shots fired from a gun, especially many guns at the same time: Troops opened fire on (=started shooting at) the demonstrators.troopopendemonstratorThese women did vital work, often under enemy fire.womandoThe rebels agreed to hold their fire (=not shoot).rebelagree → be in the line of fire at line1(35)5be attacked be/come under fire a)to be severely criticized for something you have done – used in news reports: Rail chiefs came under fire after raising train fares.chiefcomeraisefare b)to be shot atbe/come under fire fromOur patrol came under fire from rooftop gunmen.comegunman6emotion [uncountable]EMOTIONAL a very strong emotion that makes you want to think about nothing elsefire ofthe fire of religious fanaticism7fire in your belly a strong desire to achieve something: Ali returned to boxing with a new fire in his belly.returnbox8sick/injured be on fire literaryHURT/CAUSE PAIN a part of your body that is on fire feels very painful9light a fire under somebody American English spokenWORK THAT SB DOES to do something that makes someone who is being lazy start doing their work10go through fire (and water) (for somebody) old-fashionedDANGEROUS to do something very difficult and dangerous for someone11fire and brimstone a phrase describing Hell, used by some religious people → ceasefire, → add fuel to the fire/flames at add(9), → fight fire with fire at fight1(18), → get on like a house on fire at house1(13), → hang fire at hang1(12), → play with fire at play1(26), → set the world on fire at world1(22), → there’s no smoke without fire at smoke1(5)COLLOCATIONSMeaning 1verbsstart a fire The fire may have been started by a cigarette.bestartset fire to something/set something on fire (=make something start burning) A candle fell over, setting fire to the curtains.fallsetcurtainsomething catches fire (=it starts burning) The boat caught fire and sank.catchsinkput out a fire (also extinguish a fire formal) (=stop a fire burning) Firemen successfully extinguished the fire.firemanextinguishfight a fire (=try to make a fire stop burning) Further attempts to fight the fire were abandoned.farattemptbeabandona fire burns The fire was burning more strongly every minute.beburna fire breaks out (=it starts suddenly) A fire broke out in the engine room.breaka fire goes out (=it stops burning) After several hours, the fire eventually went out.hourgoa fire rages/blazes (=it burns strongly for a long time over a large area) Fires were raging in the forest near Magleby.fireberagea fire spreads The fire spread to the house next door.something is damaged/destroyed by fire The school was badly damaged by fire.bedamagephrasesbe on fire (=be burning) The whole house was on fire within minutes.beminutebring a fire under control Firefighters took more than an hour to bring the fire under control.firefightertakeADJECTIVES/NOUN + firea big/major fire A big fire was raging at the fuel depot.beragea forest fire (=a very large fire in a forest) Greece has suffered many forest fires this year.havesufferfirea brush fire (=a very large fire in an area of grass) There were frequent brush fires during the hot dry summers.befiresummera house fire (=a fire that starts inside a house) Faulty electrical wiring is being blamed for a house fire.wirebebeblameCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2verbsmake/build a fire He found wood to make a fire.findstart/light a fire It was too damp to light a fire.beput something on the fire Put another log on the fire.cook something over a fire They cooked strips of meat over a wood fire.cookstripa fire smoulders (=a little smoke comes from a fire when it has almost gone out) The fire was smouldering in the grate.besmouldera fire dies down (=it burns less strongly) The fire slowly died down.dieADJECTIVES/NOUN + firean open fire (=a fire in a room that is not inside a stove etc) Sophie warmed herself by the open fire.warma roaring fire (=a fire that is burning strongly) I sat by the roaring fire and dried off.sitroardrya camp fire (=a fire that you make outside when you are camping) In the evening we sat around the camp fire.evensita coal/wood/log fire There was a coal fire in the sitting room.besita gas fire She lit the gas fire and settled in front of the TV.lightsettlea real fire (=one that burns wood or coal) There was a real fire blazing in the fireplace.beblazephrasesthe embers of a fire (=pieces of wood, coal etc that have almost been completely burned) He stared at the glowing embers of the fire.stareglowemberTHESAURUSfire flames that burn in an uncontrolled way and destroy or damage things: In April, a fire at the school destroyed the science block.destroy | a forest fireflames the bright parts of a fire that you see burning in the air: The flames from the burning building were lighting up the night sky.flameburnbuildbelightblaze written a large and dangerous fire – used especially in news reports: Firemen fought to keep the blaze under control.firemanfightinferno written an extremely large and dangerous fire which is out of control – used especially in news reports: The entire building was on fire and hundreds of people were trapped in the inferno.buildbehundredbetrapconflagration /ˌkɒnfləˈɡreɪʃən $ ˌkɑːn-/ formal a very large fire that destroys a lot of buildings, trees etc: The conflagration spread rapidly through the old town.
fireverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Word sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesfirefiresfiredfiringfirefire2 S3 W3 verb
Verb form1shoot [intransitive and transitive]SHOOT to shoot bullets or bombsfire at/on/intoSoldiers fired on the crowd.soldierfirefire something at somebodyThe police fired two shots at the suspects before they surrendered.fireshotsuspectsurrenderfire a gun/weapon/rifle etc (=make it shoot)the sound of a gun being firedbefirefire bullets/missiles/rockets etcGuerrillas fired five rockets at the capital yesterday, killing 23 people.guerrillafirerocketkill2jobLEAVE A JOB OR ORGANIZATION [transitive] to force someone to leave their job SYN sack British Englishbe/get firedShe didn’t want to get fired.firefire somebody from somethingI’ve just been fired from my job, and I don’t know what to do.befirefire somebody for somethingThe airline fired him for being drunk.firebedrinkRegisterIn written English, people usually say that someone is dismissed rather than fired, which is slightly informal: He was dismissed for being drunk.bedismissbedrink3excite [transitive]EXCITEDINTERESTED to make someone feel interested in something and excited about it SYN inspirebe fired with enthusiasmI was fired with enthusiasm to go traveling in Asia.befiretravelfire sb’s enthusiasm/imaginationstories of magic and adventure that fire children’s imaginationsstorychildimagination4questions fire questions at somebodyASK A QUESTION to ask someone a lot of questions quickly, often in order to criticize them5wood-fired/gas-fired/coal-fired using wood, gas, or coal as fuel: a gas-fired stovefirestavea coal-fired boilerfire6clay [transitive] to bake bricks, clay pots etc in a kiln: fired earthenwarefire7engine [intransitive] if a vehicle’s engine fires, the petrol is lit to make the engine work8be firing on all cylinders informalCRAZY to be thinking or doing something well, using all your mental abilities and energy: When the team’s firing on all cylinders, they can beat the best in the league.firecylinderwellTHESAURUSfire (also dismiss formal) to make someone leave their job, especially because they have done something wrong: He was fired for surfing the Internet during work time.befiresurf | Harris was caught stealing, and was dismissed from his job.becatchstealbedismisssack/give somebody the sack British English informal to make someone leave their job, especially because they are not good at it, or because they have done something wrong: Bates was sacked from his job after the team failed to win any games.besackfailgame | His boss gave him the sack for taking too much time off work.givetakelay somebody off to make a lot of workers, especially workers in a large factory or organization, leave their jobs, because there is not enough work for them to do, or not enough money to pay their wages: 3000 car workers have been laid off at the factory in Cleveland.workerbelaymake somebody redundant British English to make someone leave their job because they are no longer needed: 5 staff will be made redundant at the end of this month.makelet somebody go to make someone leave their job, Used by employers to avoid saying directly that they are getting rid of people: We’ve had to let two members of staff go.havememberdischarge to make someone leave their job in the army, air force etc: Grant had been discharged from the navy for threatening an officer.havebedischargethreatenease somebody out to make someone leave their job in a way that makes it seem as if they have chosen to leave: He had been eased out of office in an attempt to prevent a political crisis.havebeeaserelieve somebody of their post/position formal to make someone leave their job because they have done something wrong. Used especially to avoid saying this directly, and also when the job is a powerful one: The colonel and two other senior officers were relieved of their posts.officerberelievepostfire away phrasal verb [only in imperative] spokenREADY used to tell someone that you are ready to answer questions: ‘Do you mind if I ask you something, Woody?’ ‘Fire away.’fire back phrasal verb ANSWER/REPLYto quickly and angrily answer a question or remarkfire back atPresident Bush has fired back at his critics.havefirecriticfire something ↔ off phrasal verb1SHOOTto shoot a bullet, bomb etc into the air: Chuck reloaded and fired off both barrels.reloadfirebarrelMexicans have a tradition of firing off guns to welcome in the new year.firegun2SENDto quickly send an angry letter to someone: I fired off a furious letter to the editor.firefire somebody ↔ up phrasal verb [usually passive] to make someone become very excited, interested, or angry: It was alarming the way she got so fired up about small things.bealarmgetfirething
verb (past tense shrank /ʃræŋk/, past participle shrunk /ʃrʌŋk/)Language: Old EnglishOrigin: scrincan Verb form1[intransitive and transitive]SMALL to become smaller, or to make something smaller, through the effects of heat or water:
I’m worried about washing that shirt in case it shrinks.worrywashshrink → pre-shrunk, shrunken2[intransitive and transitive]VALUELESS to become or to make something smaller in amount, size, or value OPP grow: The city continued to shrink.continueshrink toThe firm’s staff had shrunk to only four people.haveshrinkTreatment can shrink a tumour.We want to expand the business, not shrink it.3[intransitive always + adverb/preposition]BACK/BACKWARDS to move back and away from something, especially because you are frightened: She listened, shrinking under the blankets, to their shouts.listenshrinkblanketshoutMeredith was scared of him and shrank back.bescareshrinkHis anger was enough to make the others shrink away from him.beshrink from something phrasal verb AVOIDto avoid doing something difficult or unpleasant: The leadership too often shrinks from hard decisions.shrinkdecisionshrink from doing somethingWe will not shrink from making the necessary changes in policy.makechange
shrinknounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesshrinkshrinksshrinkshrink2 noun [countable] informalDate: 1900-2000Origin: head-shrinker ‘psychiatrist’ (1900-2000) DOCTORa psychoanalyst or psychiatrist – used humorouslyTHESAURUSa doctor who treats mental illnesspsychiatrist /saɪˈkaɪətrəst, saɪˈkaɪətrɪst $ sə-/ a doctor who is trained to treat people with mental illnesses: In order to become a psychiatrist, you first need a medical degree.psychologist /saɪˈkɒlədʒəst, saɪˈkɒlədʒɪst $ -ˈkɑː-/ a scientist who studies and is trained in psychology (=the study of the mind): Many psychologists believe that aggression is a learned behaviour.psychologistbelearnshrink informal a humorous word for a psychiatristtherapist a trained person whose job is to help people with their emotional problems, especially by talking to them and asking them to talk about their feelings
noun [countable]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: sceaphyrde, from sceap ‘sheep’ + hyrde ‘herdsman’ someone whose job is to take care of sheep shepherdverbCollocations from other entriesThesaurus 1Activator 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesshepherdshepherdsshepherdedshepherdingshepherdshepherd2
verb [transitive always + adverb/preposition]Verb form TAKE/BRINGto lead or guide a group of people somewhere, making sure that they go where you want them to goshepherd somebody into/out of/towards etc somethingThe tour guides shepherded the rest of the group onto the bus.guideshepherdTHESAURUSlead to take a person or animal somewhere by going in front of them while they follow, or by pulling them gently: Rachel led Jo into the kitchen.lead | She was leading a horse, which seemed to have a bad leg.beleadseemtake to take someone somewhere with you when you have the transport, know the way, are paying etc: I took her to see a film.take | Matt’s taking me in his car.takeguide to take someone through or to a place you know, showing them the way: Ali guided us through the streets to his house on the edge of the town.guidestreetshow to take someone to a place such as a table in a restaurant or a hotel room and leave them there: A waitress showed us to our table.show | We were shown to our seats near the front of the theatre.beshowseatpoint to show someone which direction to go using your hand or a sign: The sign back there pointed this way.pointescort to take someone somewhere, protecting them, guarding them, or showing them the way: He was escorted from the court by police.beescort | The President’s car will be escorted by a military convoy.escortusher to show someone the way to a room or building nearby, usually as part of your job: His housekeeper ushered us into the living room.usherliveshepherd to carefully take someone somewhere – used especially about a group of people: The police shepherded thousands of people to safety in the cathedral.shepherddirect formal to tell someone where to go or how to get somewhere: He directed us to a cafe a few blocks away.directblock | Can you direct me to the station?
noun [countable]Date: 1200-1300Origin: tun ‘container, unit of weight’ (11-21 centuries), from Old English tunne 1 (plural tons or ton) (written abbreviation t) a unit for measuring weight, equal to 2,240 pounds or 1,016 kilograms in Britain, and 2,000 pounds or 907.2 kilograms in the US → tonne2tons of something informalLOT/LARGE NUMBER OR AMOUNT a lot of something:
I’ve got tons of work to do.getton3weigh a ton informalHEAVY to be very heavy: Your bag weighs a ton!weigh4come down on somebody like a ton of bricks informalANGRY to get very angry with someone about something they have done5hit somebody like a ton of bricks American English informal to have a strong emotional effect on someone
adjective [no comparative]Word familyDate: 1600-1700Language: French
Origin: Latin unicus, from unus ‘one’ 1informalDIFFERENT unusually good and special:
a unique opportunity to study these rare creaturescreature2ONLYbeing the only one of its kind: Each person’s fingerprints are unique.fingerprintbe3unique to somebody/something existing only in a particular place or in relation to a particular person or people: The issues being discussed here are not unique to the US.issuebediscussbe—uniquelyuniquely adverb: an actor uniquely suited to the partsuit—uniquenessuniquenessesuniqueness noun [uncountable]THESAURUSdifferent if something or someone is different, they are not like something or someone else, or they are not like they were before: You look different. Have you had your hair cut?have | We’ve painted the door a different colour.paint | The cultures of the two countries are very different.culturecountrybeunique very different, special, or unusual and the only one of its kind. Don’t use words such as very before unique: The book is certainly very rare, and possibly unique.be | the unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islandsislanddistinctive having a special feature or appearance that makes something different from other things, and makes it easy to recognize: Male birds have distinctive blue and yellow markings.birdmarkingunlike [prep] completely different from a particular person or thing: In Britain, unlike the United States, the government provides health care.unitestateprovidehave nothing in common if two people have nothing in common, they do not have the same interests or opinions and therefore cannot form a friendly relationship: Apart from the fact that we went to the same school, we have absolutely nothing in common.gothere’s no/little resemblance used when saying that two people or things seem very different: There’s no resemblance between the two sisters at all.sister | The final product bore no resemblance to the original proposal (=it was very different).beardissimilar formal not the same as something else: These four politically dissimilar states have all signed a treaty of friendship and cooperation.statesignbe like chalk and cheese British English informal if two people are like chalk and cheese, they are completely different: It’s hard to believe that they’re brothers – they’re like chalk and cheese!brotherbe (like) apples and oranges American English informal used when saying that two people or things are very different: You can't compare residential and commercial real estate markets. It's apples and oranges.marketappleorange | Obama and Romney are apples and oranges.beappleorange | Comparing homemade soup to canned soup is really comparing apples and oranges.comparecanbecompareappleorange
noun [countable]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: engel, from Late Latin angelus, from Greek angelos ‘bringer of messages, angel’ 1a spirit who is God’s servant in heaven, and who is often shown as a person dressed in white with wings:
the angel Gabriel2BEHAVEGOOD/MORALsomeone who is very kind, very good, or very beautiful: That little girl of theirs is an angel.beSam is no angel (=often behaves badly).be3old-fashioned spoken used when asking someone to help you or when thanking someone for helping you: Thanks for mailing those letters, you’re an angel.thankmailletterBe an angel and get me my glasses, will you?glass4(also business angel, angel investor) someone who gives new businesses money, often in exchange for a share of the company → guardian angel
nounWord familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: poursuite, from poursuir; → PURSUE 1[uncountable]DO when someone tries to get, achieve, or find something in a determined way → pursuepursuit of
the pursuit of liberty and happinessthe pursuit of war criminalscriminalin (the) pursuit of somethingPeople are having to move to other areas in pursuit of work.behavearea2[uncountable]FOLLOW when someone chases or follows someone else → pursuein pursuitThere were four police cars in pursuit.becarThe quarterback sprinted toward the end zone with Jansen in hot pursuit (=following closely behind).sprint3[countable usually plural] formalDO an activity such as a sport or hobby, which you spend a lot of time doing: pursuits such as swimming and tennispursuitswimTHESAURUShobby an activity that you enjoy, and that you like to spend time doing when you are not working: Stamp collecting has been a hobby of mine since I was a child.collecthavebebe | We had to write an essay about our hobbies.havehobbyinterest something that you are interested in and like doing or talking about: Her interests were the same as most young girls – pop music, boys and clothes.interestbegirlboyclothepastime especially written something that you do because it is enjoyable or interesting: Gardening was her mother's favourite pastime.gardenbe | In England talking about the weather is a national pastime (=something that a lot of people in a country do).talkbepassion something that you feel extremely interested in and care a lot about: Football was his passion.be | For the French, food is a passion.bepursuit formal an activity that you spend time doing – used especially in the following phrases: The hills and lakes are used for a variety of outdoor pursuits.hilllakebeusepursuit | Her son wasn't really interested in academic pursuits.interestpursuit | Mountaineering, golfing, and fishing were among his leisure pursuitsfishbepursuit
verb [transitive usually passive]Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: paver, from Latin pavire ‘to hit, press down with the foot’ Verb form1to cover a path, road, area etc with a hard level surface such as blocks of stone or concretepave with
The city centre streets are paved with dark local stone.streetbepavea paved courtyardpave2pave the way for somethingPOSSIBLE to make a later event or development possible by producing the right conditions: The Supreme Court decision paved the way for further legislation on civil rights.pavefarright3the streets are paved with goldRICH used to say that it is easy to become rich quickly in a particular place
verb [transitive]Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: punir, from Latin punire, from poena; → PAIN1 Verb form1PUNISHto make someone suffer because they have done something wrong or broken the law → punishment, punitive:
Smacking is not an acceptable way of punishing a child.smackbepunishHe promised to punish severely any officials found guilty of electoral fraud.promiseofficialfindpunish somebody for (doing) somethingIt’s unfair to punish a whole class for the actions of one or two students.actionstudentThey deserve to be punished for putting passengers at risk.punishputpassengerI felt I was being punished for what my mother had done.feelbebepunishhavedopunish somebody by doing somethingMy parents decided to punish me by withdrawing financial support.parentdecidewithdrawpunish somebody with somethingThe House voted to punish the senator with a formal reprimand.vote2PUNISH[usually passive] if a crime is punished in a particular way, anyone who is guilty of it is made to suffer in that way → punishment, punitivepunish by/withIn some societies, theft is punished by death.societybepunish3punish yourselfBLAME to make yourself feel guilty or bad for something you have done: If you fail, don’t punish yourself.THESAURUSpunish to do something unpleasant to someone because they have done something wrong or broken the law: Drug smugglers are severely punished.smugglerbepunish | She wanted to punish him for deceiving her.wantdeceivefine to make someone pay money as a punishment: The company was fined for safety violations.befineviolationsentence if a judge sentences a criminal, he or she gives them an official punishment, usually sending them to prison for a period of time: The judge sentenced Margolis to a year in prison.sentencepenalize (also penalise British English) to officially punish someone, especially by taking away their right to do something or by limiting their freedom in some way: New laws will penalize firms that continue to pollute the environment.lawfirmdiscipline to punish someone who has broken the rules of an organization that they belong to or work for: Officers are expected to discipline soldiers who do not keep their uniforms in good condition.officerbeexpectsoldieruniformcome down hard on somebody informal to punish someone or criticize them severely: The judge came down hard on Harris, saying that his crime was ‘inexcusable’.comesaybemake an example of somebody to punish someone so that other people are afraid to do the same thing: Athletics officials felt they had to make an example of him for using banned drugs.officialfeelhaveusebandrugteach somebody a lesson informal to do something in order to show someone that they must not do something again, when they have behaved very badly: I didn't want to hurt him - I just wanted teach him a lesson.want | Maybe a night in jail will teach him a lesson.make somebody pay (for something) informal to make someone wish they had never done something, by making them suffer: We should make him pay for all the mischief he's caused!shallcause
adjective [only before noun]Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: Latin principalis, from princeps; → PRINCE MAINmost important SYN main:
His principal reason for making the journey was to visit his family.makebeTeaching is her principal source of income.teachbethe principal character in the book → principally
principalnounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Word sets 1 2 3Corpus examplesprincipalprincipalsprincipalprincipal2 noun
1school [countable] American English someone who is in charge of a school SYN headteacher British English: a small school with just three teachers and the principalteacher2university/college [countable] British English someone who is in charge of a university or college3business [countable] American English the main person in a business or organization, who can make important business decisions and is legally responsible for them: The principal of the business has an office in New York.have4performer [countable] the main performer in a play or in a group of musicians, dancers etc: She later became a principal with the Royal Ballet.latebecome5money [singular] technicalMONEY the original amount of money that is lent to someone, not including any of the interestTHESAURUSteacher someone who teaches as their job, especially in a school: a high school teacherprincipal (also headteacher British English) the teacher who is in charge of a school or college: The teacher sent him to the principal’s office.sendtutor someone who gives private lessons to one student or a small group of students. In Britain, a tutor is also a teacher in a university: They hired a tutor to help him with his English.hire | Your tutor will help you find a subject for your essay.lecturer someone who teaches in a university or college: University lecturers aren’t very well paid.lecturerpayprofessor a teacher in a college or university. In Britain, a professor is a high-ranking university teacher, especially one who is head of a department: She was professor of linguistics at Cambridge University.beinstructor someone who teaches a sport or a practical skill such as swimming or driving: He works as a ski instructor in the winter.work | a driving instructordrivecoach someone who helps a person or team improve in a sport: a professional tennis coacheducator especially American English formal someone whose job involves teaching people, or someone who is an expert on education: Most educators agree that class sizes are still too big.educatorsizebetrainer someone who teaches people particular skills, especially the skills they need to do a job: a teacher trainer | Many companies pay outside trainers to teach management skills to their staff.companytrainerskillgoverness a woman who lived with a family and taught their children in past times: As a governess, Charlotte Brontë received twenty pounds a year.receivepound
adjectiveDate: 1400-1500Language: Latin
Origin: primarius, from primus; → PRIME1 1MAIN[usually before noun] most important SYN main:
Our primary concern is to provide the refugees with food and health care.berefugeeMany of the villagers rely on fishing as their primary source of income.villagerfishprimary purpose/aim/objectiveTheir primary objective is to make money.bePersonal safety is of primary importance.be2[only before noun] especially British English relating to the education of children between 5 and 11 years old SYN elementary American English → secondary: a primary teacherprimary educationteaching at primary levelteach3BEFOREhappening or developing before other things: a primary tumourCounselling was given as a primary therapy for depression.counselbegive
primarynounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Corpus examplesprimaryprimariesprimaryprimary2 noun (plural primaries) [countable]1a primary election2British English a primary school
noun (plural skis) [countable]Date: 1700-1800Language: Norwegian
Origin: Old Norse skith ‘stick of wood, ski’
1 one of a pair of long thin narrow pieces of wood or plastic that you fasten to your boots and use for moving on snow or on water: ski slopesslopea ski resort (=where people can go skiing)2a long thin narrow piece of strong material, fastened under a small vehicle so that it can travel on snow
skiverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplesskiskisskiedskiingskiski2 verb (past tense and past participle skied, present participle skiing, third person singular skis) [intransitive]Verb form to move on skis for sport or in order to travel on snow or water → skiing: I’m learning to ski.learnWe skied down to the village of Argentière.sky
noun (plural salaries) [uncountable and countable]Date: 1200-1300Language: Latin
Origin: salarium ‘money to pay for salt’, from sal ‘salt’ money that you receive as payment from the organization you work for, usually paid to you every month → wage, pay:
The average salary for a teacher is $39,000 a year.beCOLLOCATIONSverbsearn/get/receive a salary She’s now earning a good salary as an interpreter.earnbe on a salary British English (=be earning a salary) He won’t tell me what salary he’s on.wincommand a salary formal (=be able to get a particular salary) Which graduates command the highest salaries?graduatehighsalarypay somebody a salary Large companies often pay better salaries.companywellsalaryoffer somebody a salary We offer competitive salaries to graduates.salarygraduateincrease sb’s salary His salary was increased to £80,000 a year.beincreasecut sb’s salary (=reduce someone’s salary) They will cut salaries before they cut jobs.salaryjobadjectiveshigh/good She moved to a job with a higher salary.movehighlow It sounds an interesting job, but the salary is too low.soundinterestbea six-figure salary (=one over £100,000 or $100,000) He’s now a top executive with a six-figure salary.annual salary His annual salary is $200,000.bemonthly salary What's your monthly salary?current salary His current salary is just over £30,000 a year.bebasic/base salary (=the basic amount that someone is paid) You get a basic salary, and then other benefits on top.benefitstarting salary (=the salary someone gets when they start a job) The starting salary for a hotel manager is $26,400.startbefinal salary Your pension is based on a proportion of your final salary.bebasesalary + NOUNa salary increase He was given a huge salary increase.begivea salary cut (=a decrease in someone’s salary) The workforce agreed to take salary cuts.agreecutthe salary scale/structure (=the list of increasing salaries that someone in a job can earn) He is almost at the top of his salary scale.bephrasesa drop/cut in salary (=a reduction in salary) He couldn’t afford to take a drop in salary.an increase/rise in salary They were offered a 10% increase in salary.beofferTHESAURUSsalary noun [countable] the money that you receive regularly for doing your job, usually paid to you every month. Salary is usually used for professional jobs such as teachers, managers, doctors etc: Nurses earn a basic salary of £21,250.nurse | Her salary is paid directly into her bank account.bepaypay noun [uncountable] the money you receive for doing a job: The pay is pretty good.be | Teachers are asking for higher pay.teacherbeaskhighwages noun [plural] (also wage [singular]) the money that someone is paid every week by their employer, especially someone who works in a shop or factory: Practically all my wages go on housing and transport to work.wagehouse | The average weekly wage was £350.be | a wage increaseincome noun [uncountable and countable] the money that you receive regularly for doing your job, and from things such as a business or investments: The amount of tax you have to pay depends on your income.depend | People on low incomes are finding it difficult to pay their fuel bills.incomebefindbillearnings noun [plural] the total amount of money you earn from any job you do – used especially when the amount is different each month or year: The average worker’s earnings have not kept up with inflation.keep
noun (plural priorities)Word family1[uncountable and countable]IMPORTANT the thing that you think is most important and that needs attention before anything else: The club’s priority is to win the League.befirst/top/main priorityThe children are our first priority.childbeAfter several burglaries in the area, security is now a high priority (=very important and needing attention soon).burglarybeWith so little money available, repairs must remain a low priority (=not important and not needing attention soon).repairThe customer is high on our list of priorities.bepriorityList your tasks in order of priority (=most important first).task2IMPORTANT[uncountable] the right to be given attention first and before other people or thingspriority overBuses should have priority over other road users.busshalluserA young person who has finished the course will be given priority over one who has not.havefinishgivehaveI want to start work on the garden but the house must take priority.3get your priorities right (also get your priorities straight American English)IMPORTANT to know what is most important and needs attention first: We need to get our priorities right.priorityCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1adjectivesa high priority (=very important) Right now, the environment is a high priority.bean urgent priority He sees these negotiations as an urgent priority.seenegotiationa low priority (=not very important) At that time, architecture was a low priority.bethe top/main/number one priority Controlling spending is his top priority.controlspendbethe first priority The first priority for most unemployed people is obtaining a job.beobtainthe overriding priority (=the most important one) The reduction of inflation must be the Government’s overriding priority.overridesb’s immediate priority (=which must be dealt with immediately) Their immediate priority was to find somewhere to sleep that night.bephrasesa list/set of priorities Marriage isn’t very high on my list of priorities.priorityin order of priority (=with the most important first) They asked voters to list issues in order of priority.askvoterissueverbsset priorities (=decide what the priorities are) With any new project, it's important to set priorities.prioritysort out your priorities (=decide which things are the most important as a way of dealing with a situation) If you’ve got a lot of things to do, sort out your priorities.getthingprioritymake something a priority Lisa had a job, but she'd always made her family the priority.havemakesb’s priorities change As you get older, your priorities may change.oldpriorityCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2verbshave priority Couples may have to decide whose career has priority.couplehaveget priority The breakdown services say that women on their own get priority.servicewomantake priority (=become the most important thing) Winning the war took priority over everything else.wintakegive priority to somebody/something The hospital always gives priority to emergency cases.givecase
priorityadjectiveCollocations from other entriespriorityprioritypriority2 adjective before other people or things: Members receive priority bookings and reduced ticket prices to all concerts.memberbookingreducepriceconcert
nounWord familyDate: 1300-1400Language: French
Origin: Latin accidens ‘additional quality, chance’, from accidere ‘to happen’, from ad- ‘to’ + cadere ‘to fall’ 1by accidentCHANCE/BY CHANCE in a way that is not planned or intended OPP on purpose, deliberately:
I met her quite by accident (=completely by accident).meetThe discovery was made almost by accident.bemakeThe pilot, whether by accident or design (=whether it was planned or not planned), made the plane do a sharp turn.make2ACCIDENT[countable] an event in which a car, train, plane etc is damaged and often someone is hurt: Over 70,000 people are seriously injured every year in road accidents.beinjureaccidentThe accident happened at the junction of Forest Road and Pine Walk.happena train accident3
ACCIDENT[countable] a situation in which someone is injured or something is damaged without anyone intending them to be: Ken had an accident at work and had to go to hospital.havehaveI’m sorry about breaking the vase – it was an accident (=I did not intend to do it).breakbea climbing/skiing/hunting etc accidentHe died in a climbing accident in the Himalayas.dieclimbShe was injured in a freak accident (=an unusual accident) when a wall suddenly collapsed.beinjurecollapseI had a slight accident with your coffee.haveThey lost their lives in a tragic accident.loselive4CHANCE/BY CHANCE[uncountable and countable] something that happens without anyone planning or intending it: My third baby was an accident.beIt is no accident that men fill most of the top jobs in nursing, while women remain on the lower grades.bemanjobnursewomanlowgradean accident of birth/geography/history etc (=an event or situation caused by chance)5accidents (will) happen spoken used to tell someone who has broken something that they should not worry that it has happened6an accident waiting to happen used about a situation in which an accident is likely to happen because no one is trying to prevent it: The boats are being left to drift; it’s an accident waiting to happen.boatbebeleavewaitCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2adjectivesa bad/serious accident There’s been a bad accident on the freeway.be | The road is closed following a serious accident.beclosefollowa major accident News is coming in of a major rail accident.becomea horrible/nasty/horrific accident We narrowly avoided a nasty accident.avoid | ‘This was an absolutely horrific accident,’ said an ambulance spokesman.besaya fatal accident (=in which someone is killed) a fatal accident involving a bus and a cyclistinvolvea minor accident (=one that is not serious) The ice and poor visibility caused minor accidents all over the country.causeaccidenta road/traffic accident The number of traffic accidents has gone down.numbaccidenthavego | Portugal has one of Western Europe’s worst road accident rates.haveillratea car accident (also an automobile accident American English formal) He was badly injured in a car accident.beinjurea plane accident/an airplane accident (also a flying accident) Holly died in a plane accident.diea rail accident/a train accident It was the country's worst ever rail accident.beilla hit-and-run accident (=when someone is hit by a driver who does not stop) A woman is fighting for her life after a hit-and-run accident.befightverbshave an accident I had an accident on my way to work.havebe involved in an accident formal Your son has been involved in a car accident.havebeinvolveprevent an accident Steps have been taken to prevent a similar accident happening again.stepbetakehappenan accident happens (also an accident occurs formal) No one saw the accident happen.see | Most road accidents occur in urban areas.accidentareaaccident + NOUNan accident victim One of the accident victims is still trapped in his vehicle.victimbetrapaccident rates/statistics There is a relation between accident rates and the numbers of drivers on the road.beratenumberdriver | a survey of the latest airline accident statisticslatestatistican accident investigation/inquiry The two deaths are the subject of an accident inquiry.deathbe | Accident investigations often take months.investigationmonthan accident investigator Accident investigators have been there all morning.investigatorbephrasesthe scene of an accident (=the place where it happened) Police were at the scene of the accident within minutes.beminuteCOMMON ERRORS ► Do not say 'a small accident'. Say a minor accident.THESAURUSaccident an event in which a vehicle is damaged and often someone is hurt: Her father died in a car accident.die | Hugh had an accident on his way to work.havecrash a serious accident in which a vehicle hits something else: Rees-Jones was the only person to survive the crash.be | a car/plane/train crash | He was killed in a plane crash.bekillcollision an accident in which two or more cars, trains etc hit each other: His car was involved in a collision with a train.beinvolve | a head-on collision (=between vehicles that are driving towards each other): The actor was killed in a head-on collision while driving his new sports car.bekilldrivesportdisaster a serious accident involving a train, plane, or boat, in which a lot of people are killed or injured: It was Britain’s worst air disaster.beillwreck American English an accident in which a car or train is badly damaged: Ben nearly died in a car wreck.diepile-up an accident that involves several cars or trucks: The pile-up happened in thick fog.happen | There was a 12-car pile-up on the motorway.befender-bender American English informal, prang British English informal a car accident in which little damage is done: Atkinson was involved in a fender-bender in the hotel parking lot.beinvolvepark | At 15, he borrowed his parents’ car and had a prang.borrowparenthave
adjectiveWord family SURPRISEDunusual or unexpected: She told me a surprising thing.tellsurpriseA surprising number of his paintings have survived.surprisenumbpaintingsurviveit is surprising (that)It is not surprising that most parents experience occasional difficulties.besurpriseparentdifficultyit is surprising how/what etcIt’s surprising how quickly you get used to things.surpriseusethingIt is hardly surprising that new mothers often suffer from depression.besurprisemotherTHESAURUSsurprising making you feel surprised: It’s surprising how quickly you get used to it.surpriseuse | We got some very surprising results.getsurpriseresultastonishing/astounding very surprising. Astounding sounds a little more formal and a little stronger than astonishing: The results of the tests were astounding.resulttestbeastound | Things are changing at an astonishing speed.thingbechangeastonishextraordinary very unusual and surprising: It is extraordinary that such a young boy should be so good at maths.beshallmathamazing very surprising – used especially about good or impressive things: an amazing achievementamaze | It’s amazing what you can do when you really try.amazestaggering very surprising, especially by being so large: The project cost a staggering $8 million.staggerunbelievable (also incredible) so surprising that you can hardly believe it: It is unbelievable that she is only the same age as me.bebe | The incredible thing is that he thinks he is ugly.bethinkbe
nounSense 1,3:Language: Old English
Origin: mæl ‘time, meal’Sense 2:
Language: Old English
Origin: melu 1[countable] an occasion when you eat food, for example breakfast or dinner, or the food that you eat on that occasion:
We must have a meal together some time.Dinner is the main meal of the day for most people.be2[uncountable] grain that has been crushed into a powder, for making flour or animal food → bonemeal3make a meal (out) of something British English informalTOO/TOO MUCHDIFFICULT to spend too much time or effort doing something: He made a real meal out of parking the car.makeparkCOLLOCATIONSverbshave a meal (=eat a meal) We usually have our evening meal fairly early.eveneat a meal When they had eaten their meal, they went out for a walk.haveeatgocook/make a meal (also prepare a meal formal) Who cooks most of the meals?cookmealserve a meal The bar serves snacks and meals.servesnackmealfix a meal informal especially American English (=make a meal)go (out) for a meal How about going out for a meal tonight?gotake somebody (out) for a meal He took Anna out for a meal and then to the theatre.takeADJECTIVES/NOUN + mealan evening/midday meal The evening meal is served at 7.30.evenbeservethe main meal They had their main meal at lunch time.havea three-course/five-course etc meal (=a meal with several separate parts) a three-course meal, including appetizer and dessertincludea good meal (=a meal that is large enough and tastes good) We’ll get a good meal there.a decent meal/a square meal (also a proper meal British English) (=with enough good food to satisfy you) I hadn’t had a decent meal in days.havedaya big/large meal We don’t have a big meal at lunchtime, usually just sandwiches.sandwicha hot meal With a hot meal inside me, I began to feel better.beginwella delicious meal ‘It was a delicious meal,’ Merrill said politely.besaya heavy meal (=with a lot of rich food) A heavy meal is likely to make you feel sleepy.bea light meal (=with not a lot of food) a light meal of salada simple meal a simple meal of soup and breada balanced meal (=with some of each type of food, to keep you healthy) We make healthy, balanced meals for our children.balancemealchilda gourmet meal (=one with very nice and often complicated food) The day ended with a gourmet meal in a good restaurant.enda slap-up meal British English informal (=a good meal) Jennie cooked us a slap-up meal.cooka full meal (=a complete meal) I’m not hungry enough to eat a full meal.a healthy meal Healthy meals can still be quick and easy to prepare.meala school meal (=provided by a school) Many of the children are receiving free school meals.childbereceivemealregular meals (=ones that are eaten at the same time each day) Patients are advised to eat regular meals.patientbeadvisemealCOMMON ERRORS ► Do not say 'take a meal'. Say have a meal.THESAURUStypes of mealbreakfast a meal that you eat in the morningbrunch a meal that you eat in the late morning, instead of breakfast or lunchlunch a meal that you eat in the middle of the daytea British English a meal that you eat in the afternoon or eveningdinner the main meal of the day, which most people eat in the eveningsupper a small meal that you eat in the evening, in British English; the main meal that you eat in the evening, in American Englishpicnic a meal that you eat outdoors, consisting of food that you cooked or prepared earlierbarbecue a meal that you cook outdoors over hot coals or wood and eat outdoorssnack a small amount of food that is eaten between main meals or instead of a mealside dish food eaten with the main course, such as vegetables: I’ll have the salad as a side dish.course one of the separate parts of a meal, such as the starter or the dessert: a three-course mealparts of a large mealhors d'oeuvre (also starter British English, appetizer American English) the small first part of a meal: a tempting plate of hors d'oeuvres including olives and small pieces of roast beetroottemptoeuvreincludeolivepiecemain course (also entrée especially American English) the main part of a meal. entrée is used especially on restaurant menus: For the main course we had cheese and onion pie.have | The menu includes a few hot entrées.includedessert (also pudding British English or sweet British English) sweet food eaten at the end of a meal: What do you want for dessert? | They serve a wide range of desserts, including ice cream and home-made apple pie.dessertincludemake
verb (past tense and past participle qualified, present participle qualifying, third person singular qualifies)
Word familyDate: 1500-1600Language: French
Origin: qualifier, from Medieval Latin qualificare, from Latin qualis; → QUALITY1 Verb form1have a right [intransitive and transitive]RIGHT/HAVE THE RIGHT TO to have the right to have or do something, or to give someone this right:
Free school lunches are given to children who qualify.lunchbegivechildqualify forYou may qualify for unemployment benefit.qualify somebody/something for somethingMembership qualifies you for a discount on purchases.qualifypurchase2pass exam [intransitive] to pass an examination or finish a course of study that you need in order to do somethingqualify asI finally qualified as a pilot.qualifyAfter qualifying, doctors spend at least two years working in hospitals.qualifydoctorlittleyearworkhospital3be considered something [intransitive]BE to have all the necessary qualities to be considered to be a particular thingqualify asIt doesn’t qualify as a date if you bring your children with you.child4give somebody skills/knowledge [transitive] if something qualifies you to do something, you have the necessary skills, knowledge, ability etc to do itqualify somebody for somethingFluency in three languages qualifies her for work in the European Parliament.languagequalifyqualify somebody to do somethingThe certificate qualifies you to work as a dental assistant.qualify5sport [intransitive] to reach the necessary standard to enter or continue in a competition or sports eventqualify forShe qualified for a spot on the U.S. Olympic speed skating team.qualifyskate6add something [transitive]ADD to add to something that has already been said, in order to limit its effect or meaning: Could I just qualify that last statement?can7grammar [transitive] if a word or phrase qualifies another word or phrase, it limits or adds to the meaning of it → qualifier
noun1[uncountable and countable]LEAVE A PLACE an act of leaving a place, especially at the start of a journey OPP arrivaldeparture forI saw Simon shortly before his departure for Russia.seedeparture ofThere was a delay in the departure of our plane.bedeparture fromMozart’s departure from Paris in September 17782[uncountable and countable]LEAVE A JOB OR ORGANIZATION an act of leaving an organization or positiondeparture fromHe refused to discuss his departure from the government.refuse3[countable] a flight, train etc that leaves at a particular time: There are several departures for New York every day.bedeparture4[countable]DIFFERENT a way of doing something that is different from the usual, traditional, or expected waydeparture fromTheir new designs represent a departure from their usual style.designradical/major/significant etc departure (=a big change)This would be a radical departure from the subsidy system.willCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + departuresudden/abrupt (=done suddenly, without being planned) I didn't know how I was going to explain his abrupt departure to the others.bego | Their departure seemed rather sudden.seema hasty/speedy departure (=done very quickly and suddenly) I was surprised by her hasty departure.besurprisea flight/train/coach departure I'm afraid your flight departure has been delayed.havebedelayverbsdelay somebody's departure (=make it later) I decided to delay my departure by a few days.decidedaydeparture + NOUNa departure date (also date of departure) You cannot make a change to your booking within six weeks of your departure date.bookweeka departure time Do you know your exact departure time?a departure point (=the place where you leave from) Luxor is one departure point for boat trips down the Nile.betripa departure gate (=an exit from an airport to get a particular flight) It was a long walk with all our luggage to the departure gate.bea departure lounge (=a room at an airport where people wait before their flights leave)the departures board (=a board showing the times of planes or trains) I scanned the departures board for details of my flight.scandeparturedetail
noun (plural quantities)Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: quantité, from Latin quantitas, from quantus ‘how much’ 1[uncountable and countable]AMOUNT an amount of something that can be counted or measuredquantity of
The police also found a quantity of ammunition in the flat.findAdd 50 grams of butter, and the same quantity of sugar.grama large/small/vast etc quantity of somethingHe had consumed a large quantity of alcohol.haveconsumeHuge quantities of oil were spilling into the sea.quantitybespillin large/small/sufficient etc quantitiesBuy vegetables in small quantities, for your immediate use.vegetablequantityYour work has improved in quantity and quality this term.haveimprove ► Do not say ‘a big quantity’. Say a large quantity.2[uncountable]LOT/LARGE NUMBER OR AMOUNT the large amount of something: The sheer quantity of text meant that people did not read the whole of their newspaper.meando3in quantity in large amounts: It’s a lot cheaper if you buy it in quantity.cheap → be an unknown quantity at unknown1(4)COLLOCATIONSadjectivesa large quantity A large quantity of clothing was stolen from the shop.clothebesteala great quantity (=more formal than 'large') The Romans imported a great quantity of sculpture from Greece.romanimporta vast/huge/enormous quantity Computers can handle vast quantities of data.computerquantitydatuma considerable/substantial quantity (=a large or fairly large amount) Dolphins need to eat considerable quantities of food.dolphinquantitya sufficient quantity (=enough) How did they obtain sufficient quantities of food to survive?doquantitya small quantity Remove a small quantity of butter from the fridge.a tiny quantity (=very small) This truly great wine is only made in tiny quantities.bemakequantitya minute quantity (=extremely small) The rock contains minute quantities of copper.containquantityTHESAURUSamount how much of something there is: Try to reduce the amount of fat in your diet. | a tiny amount of poisonquantity a particular amount of food, liquid, or another substance that can be measured – used especially in written descriptions and instructions: Make sure that you add the right quantity of milk. | They buy the wood in large quantities.quantityvolume the amount of something such as business activity or traffic, especially when this is large or increasing: The volume of traffic on our roads has risen sharply.roadhaverise | the huge volume of trade with Chinalevel the exact amount of something at one time, which can go up or down at other times: They measured the level of alcohol in his blood.measure | There is a high level of unemployment.beproportion the amount of something, compared with the whole amount that exists: the proportion of road accidents caused by drunk driversaccidentcausedrinkdriver | A high proportion of the students were from poor families.studentbefamilyquota a maximum amount of something that can be produced, sold, brought into a country etc: import quotas on Japanese carsquotacaryield /jiːld/ the amount of something that is produced, especially crops: this year’s cotton yield
adjective PERFECTcompletely good and honest, with no faults: She led a saintly and blameless life.lead—saintlinesssaintliness noun [uncountable]
adjective
Word family1ashamedGUILTY/FEEL GUILTY feeling very ashamed and sad because you know that you have done something wrongguilty about/atI feel really guilty at forgetting her birthday again.She looked self-conscious and guilty.lookIt was his guilty conscience that made him offer to help.bemakeRegisterIn everyday English, people often say that they feel bad about something rather than say that they feel guilty about it:I feel bad about leaving him on his own.leave2of a crimeGUILTY having done something that is a crime OPP innocentguilty ofThe jury found her guilty of murder.findHe was found not guilty of the death of PC Jones.befindHe pleaded guilty to two charges of theft.pleadcharge3BLAMEresponsible for behaviour that is morally or socially unacceptablebe guilty of doing somethingSome journalists are guilty of reporting scandal in order to sell papers.journalistbereportpaper4the guilty party formalGUILTY the person who has done something illegal or wrong—guiltilyguiltily adverbTHESAURUSMeaning 2guilty if someone is guilty of a crime or doing something wrong, they did it, and they should be punished for it: She was found guilty of murder.befind | He was guilty of serious misconduct.be | The two guilty men were ordered to pay damages to their victims.manbeorderdamagevictimresponsible [not before noun] used when saying who should be blamed for something bad that has happened: Police believe a local gang is responsible for the burglaries.beburglary | As manager, he is ultimately responsible for the failure of the project.be | The other driver was responsible for the accident.bebe to blame if someone is to blame for a bad situation, they are responsible: The government is partly to blame for the crisis.be | If anything goes wrong, it’s never him that is to blame.gobeculpable /ˈkʌlpəbəl/ formal responsible for something bad or illegal, so that you deserve to be blamed or punished: The people who helped the terrorists are equally culpable for what happened on July 7th.helpterroristbehappen | He pleaded guilty to culpable homicide (=being guilty of causing someone’s death).pleadnegligent /ˈneɡlɪdʒənt/ [not usually before noun] responsible for something bad that has happened, because you did not take enough care, or you did not try to stop it from happening: The court decided that the railway company was negligent.decidebebe in the wrong to be responsible for an accident, mistake etc – used when deciding which person, group etc should be blamed: The other driver was clearly in the wrong.be | She always thinks it’s me who is in the wrong.thinkbeincriminating used about things which seem to show that someone is guilty of a crime: incriminating evidenceincriminate | incriminating documentsincriminatedocument | He didn’t want to say anything incriminating.incriminate
adjective [no comparative]Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: superieur, from Latin superior ‘further above’, from superus ‘upper’, from super; → SUPER- 1BETTERbetter, more powerful, more effective etc than a similar person or thing, especially one that you are competing against OPP inferior:
Fletcher’s superior technique brought him victory.bringsuperior toYour computer is far superior to mine.beHe loves making fun of women. It makes him feel superior.lovemakewomanmakea vastly superior (=very much better, stronger etc) army2PROUDthinking that you are better than other people – used to show disapproval: She had that superior tone of voice.have3HIGH POSITION OR RANK[only before noun] having a higher position or rank than someone else OPP inferior: Don’t you usually salute a superior officer?a superior court4GOOD/EXCELLENT[only before noun] of very good quality – used especially in advertising: a superior wine → Mother SuperiorCOLLOCATIONSadverbsfar/vastly/greatly superior They soon realized that the opposing team’s players were far superior to their own.realizeopposeplayerbeinfinitely superior (=very much better) You’d be better off visiting the infinitely superior Imperial War Museum.wellvisitinherently superior (=better because of its nature) He believed that some races were inherently superior to others.believeracebemorally superior They also accuse Christians of pretending to be morally superior.pretendtechnically superior Our job is to convince consumers that our product is technically superior to its competitors.beconsumerbecompetitornounssuperior quality Digital radios offer a superior quality of sound.radiosuperior performance This boat meets the needs of serious yachtsmen who demand superior performance.meetneedyachtsmansuperior knowledge/intelligence She was always showing off her superior knowledge.beshowsuperior strength/power He used his superior strength to wrestle Ben to the ground.usegrindTHESAURUSbetter the comparative of good: She wants a better job.wantwell | The sales figures were far better than expected.salefigurebewellexpect | Lucy’s better at French than I am.wellbesuperior better, especially in quality: German cars are far superior.carbe | a superior product | He thinks men are superior to women.thinkmanbewomanpreferable formal more suitable or useful – used when saying which one you prefer: Cash would be preferable.will | Anything would be preferable to the system we have now.willbe an improvement on something to be better than something that existed before: The engine is a huge improvement on previous diesel engines.beenginehave the edge to be slightly better than another person or thing – used especially when saying which one will win in a game or competition: Federer is likely to have the edge in Sunday’s game.be | For me, this film has the edge over the others.havebe miles ahead (of somebody/something) (also be streets ahead (of somebody/something) British English) informal to be very much better than someone or something that you are competing against: The company is streets ahead of its rivals.bestreetrivalthere’s no comparison spoken used to emphasize that one person or thing is clearly much better than someone or something else: There’s no comparison between the two teams.team | ‘Which apartment do you prefer?' 'Well, there’s no comparison. The first one we saw is bigger, quieter, and has much nicer furniture.'seebebigquiethavenice
superiornounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplessuperiorsuperiorssuperiorsuperior2 noun [countable] HIGH POSITION OR RANKsomeone who has a higher rank or position than you, especially in a job: He had a good working relationship with his immediate superior (=the person directly above him).havework
noun
Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: preuve, from Late Latin proba, from Latin probare; → PROBE2 1evidence [uncountable and countable]PROVE facts, information, documents etc that prove something is trueproof of
proof of the existence of life on other planetsplanetThis latest interview was further proof of how good at her job Cara was.latebefarbeproof (that)Do you have any proof that this man stole your bag?stealThere is no proof that the document is authentic.bebe2copy [countable usually plural] technical a copy of a piece of writing or a photograph that is checked carefully before the final printing is done: Can you check these proofs?proof3mathematics [countable] a)a test in mathematics of whether a calculation is correct b)a list of reasons that shows a theorem (=statement) in geometry to be true4the proof of the pudding (is in the eating)PROVE used to say that you can only know whether something is good or bad after you have tried it5alcohol [uncountable] a measurement of the strength of some types of alcoholic drink, especially spirits: 70% proof vodka (=that contains 70% pure alcohol) British English70 proof vodka (=that contains 35% pure alcohol) American EnglishCOLLOCATIONSverbshave proof The newspaper claimed it had proof that I worked for the CIA.claimhaveworkprovide/give proof You will be required to provide proof of your identity.requireneed proof He needed proof to back up those allegations.needallegationthere is proof There is now proof that giant squid do exist.beadjectivesfurther proof (=additional proof) He showed his driving licence as further proof of his identity.showdrivefarscientific proof They say they have scientific proof that the treatment works.workliving proof (=someone whose existence or experience proves something) She is living proof that stress need not necessarily be ageing.beliveageclear proof His indecision is clear proof of his inability to handle the situation.beconclusive/tangible proof (=definite proof) There is no conclusive proof that your son is dead.bebephrasesproof of identity (=something that proves who you are) Do you have any proof of identity, such as a passport?proof of purchase (=something that proves you bought something from a particular place) We will give a refund only if proof of purchase is provided.beprovideproof of ownership Take photos of anything unusual you own as proof of ownership.photoproof positive (=definite proof that cannot be doubted) Here is proof positive that she's wrong.bethe burden/onus of proof law (=the need to prove that you are right in a legal case) The burden of proof is on the prosecution.be
proofadjectiveCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesproofproofproof2 adjective STRONG FEELING OR BELIEFbe proof against something literary to be too strong or good to be affected by something bad: Their defences are proof against most weapons.defencebeweapon
proofverbCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplesproofproofsproofedproofingproofproof3 verb [transitive] British EnglishVerb form1PROTECT[usually passive] to treat a material with a substance in order to protect it against water, oil etcproof something against somethingclimbing gear proofed against waterclimbproof2to proofread something
-proofsuffixOther dictionary examples-proof-proof-proof /pruːf/
suffix1[in adjectives]PROTECT used to describe something which a particular thing cannot harm or pass through, or which protects people against that thing: a bulletproof cara waterproof jacketan ovenproof dish (=that cannot be harmed by heat)2[in adjectives] used to describe something which cannot easily be affected or damaged by someone or something: a childproof containervandal-proof3[in verbs]PROTECT to treat or make something so that a particular thing cannot harm it or pass through it, or so that it gives protection against it: soundproof a room (=so that sound cannot get into or out of it)
noun
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: registre, from Medieval Latin registrum, from Latin regerere ‘to bring back’ 1official list [countable]LIST an official list of names of people, companies etc, or a book that has this listregister of
the official register of births, deaths, and marriagesbirthdeathmarriageHave you signed the hotel register?signPolice want a national register of DNA samples.samplethe electoral register (=official list of voters)call/take the register British English old-fashioned (=say the names of the students in a class, to check who is there)2language style [uncountable and countable] technical the words, style, and grammar used by speakers and writers in a particular situation or in a particular type of writingformal/informal registerletters written in a formal registerletterwrite3music [countable] technical the range of musical notes that someone’s voice or a musical instrument can reachthe upper/middle/lower registerthe upper register of the cello4machine [countable] a cash register5heating control [countable] American EnglishCONTROL a movable metal plate that controls the flow of air in a heating or cooling system SYN vent
registerverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3Word sets 1 2Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesregisterregistersregisteredregisteringregisterregister2 S3 W3 AC verb
Word familyVerb form1on a list [intransitive and transitive]LIST to put someone’s or something’s name on an official list: The tanker is registered in Rotterdam.beregisterregister forHow many students have registered for English classes?studentregisterclassregister withYou must bring your insurance card with you when you register with a dentist or doctor.register a birth/death/marriageThe baby’s birth was registered this morning.beregisterbe registered (as) unemployed/disabled etc British English (=be on an official list of a particular group)2state your opinion [transitive] formalSAY/STATE to officially state your opinion about something so that everyone knows what you think or feel: The delegation registered a formal protest with US embassy officials Wednesday.registerofficial3realize [intransitive usually in negatives, transitive]REALIZE if something registers, or if you register it, you realize or notice it, and then remember it: She had told me her name before, but I guess it didn’t register.havetellI’d been standing there for several minutes before he registered my presence.bestandminuteregister4measurement [intransitive and transitive] if an instrument registers an amount or if something registers on it, the instrument shows that amount: The thermometer registered 98.6°.registerThe earthquake registered 7.2 on the Richter scale.register5show a feeling [transitive] formalSHOW A FEELING OR ATTITUDE to show or express a feeling: Her face registered shock and anger.register6mail [transitive] British English to send a package, letter etc by registered post: Did you register the parcel?do
noun [uncountable and countable]REDUCE a decrease in the size, price, or amount of something, or the act of decreasing something OPP increase: strategies for noise reductionstrategyreduction ina slight reduction in the price of oilreduction ofthe reduction of interest ratesratereduction onsubstantial reductions on children’s clothesreductionchildclotheThe company promised they would make no staff reductions for at least two years.promisewillreductionlittleyearCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + reductiona big/large reduction You may have to take a big reduction in salary.a substantial/considerable reduction (=large enough to have an effect or be important) Farmers have suffered a substantial reduction in income.farmersuffera significant reduction (=large and noticeable) There has been a significant reduction in traffic since the bypass was built.havebebebuilda massive reduction (=very large) There is no reason why the new technology should mean a massive reduction in employment.beshalla dramatic/drastic reduction (=surprisingly large) The most immediate effect of retirement is a dramatic reduction in living standards.belivestandarda sharp reduction (=large and quick) High interest rates brought about a sharp reduction in sales.ratebringsalea gradual reduction The markets are hoping for a gradual reduction in interest rates.marketbehoperatea marked reduction (=very easy to notice) There has been a marked reduction in arrests since the ban on alcohol at stadiums.havebemarkarreststadiuma 10%/40% etc reduction The 30 mph speed limit led to a 50 percent reduction in pedestrian deaths.leaddeatha price reduction Retailers may introduce price reductions to attract custom away from their competitors.retailerreductioncompetitorarms reduction They held talks about further arms reductions.holdtalkfararmreductionverbsmake a reduction Significant reductions are being made in the defense budget.reductionbebemakereduction + NOUNa reduction plan/programme/scheme The terms of the treaty call for a three-phase troop reduction programme.termreduction targets The agreement set strict reduction targets for carbon emissions.targetemissionTHESAURUSdecrease used when the number, amount, or level of something becomes less than it used to be: There has been a significant decrease in the number of deaths from lung cancer.havebenumbdeath | a 5% decrease in housing priceshousepricereduction used when the price, amount, or level of something is made lower: There will be further price reductions in the sales.farreductionsale | A small reduction in costs can mean a large increase in profits.costprofitcut used when a government or company reduces the price, amount, or level of something: a 1% cut in interest ratesrate | tax cutscut | It is possible that there will be further job cuts.befarcutdrop/fall used when the number, amount, or level of something goes down, especially by a large amount: The figures showed a sharp fall in industrial output.figureshow | There was a dramatic drop in temperature.bedecline used when the number, amount, level, or standard of something goes down, especially gradually: During the 1970s, there was a gradual decline in the birthrate.be | a decline in educational standardsstandard
nounDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: Latin rabies ‘anger, wildness’, from rabere ‘to be wild with anger’ 1ANGRY[uncountable and countable] a strong feeling of uncontrollable anger:
Sobbing with rage, Carol was taken to the hospital.sobbetakein a rageSam became quite frightening when he was in a rage.becomefrightenbecry/scream/roar etc of rageJust then, she heard Mr Evan’s bellow of rage.hearred/dark/purple with rageHis face was red with rage.betrembling/shaking with rageForester stared at his car, trembling with rage.staretrembleseething/incandescent with rage (=as angry as a person can possibly be)Animal rights supporters were incandescent with rage.rightsupporterbeRichens was 17 when he flew into a rage and stabbed another teenager.beflystab2be all the rage informalFASHIONABLE to be very popular or fashionable: DiCaprio became all the rage after starring in the film ‘Titanic’.becomestar3rage for somethingFASHIONABLE a situation in which something is very popular or fashionable: the rage for mobile phonesphoneCOLLOCATIONSverbsshake/tremble with rage His wife was shaking with rage.beshakeseethe with rage The injustice of it made Melissa seethe with rage.makecry with rage I was crying with rage and frustration.becryexplode with rage (also fly into a rage) (=suddenly become very angry) She knew her father would explode with rage if he found out.knowwillfindphrasesbe in a rage Moran was in a rage about some tools that had been left out in the rain.betoolhavebeleavebe speechless with rage Speechless with rage, he hurled the letter in the fire before storming out.hurlstormbe beside yourself with rage (=be so angry that you cannot control yourself) They had been publicly humiliated and were beside themselves with rage.havebehumiliatebebe incandescent with rage formal (=be extremely angry) The Queen was incandescent with rage.bebe white with rage I could see she was white with rage.canbesomebody's face is dark/red/purple with rage His face went purple with rage.gosomebody's face is twisted/contorted with rage Mike's usually calm face was contorted with rage.becontorta fit of rage In a fit of rage, he seized the poor man by the shoulders and shouted at him.seizeshouldershouta cry/howl/bellow etc of rage She remembered his cries of rage as he was taken away.remembercrybetaketears of rage Her eyes were now full of tears of rage.eyebetearadjectivesa jealous rage He killed his wife in a jealous rage.killa drunken rage He smashed up his former girlfriend's car in a drunken rage.smasha blind/uncontrollable rage (=extreme uncontrolled anger that makes someone violent) He lashed out in a blind rage.lashmurderous rage (=anger that makes someone capable of murder) Captain Black was in a murderous rage.bea towering rage (=extremely angry) He was in a towering rage.betowerTHESAURUSextreme angerfury a very strong feeling of anger: The judge sparked fury when he freed a man who had attacked three women.sparkfreehaveattackwoman | The decision caused fury among local people.causerage a very strong feeling of anger that is difficult to control or is expressed very suddenly or violently: When we accused him of lying, he flew into a rage (=became very angry very suddenly).accuseliefly | Brown killed his wife in a jealous rage.killoutrage extreme anger and shock because you think something is unfair or wrong: The racist comments caused outrage in India and Britain.commentcausewrath formal extreme anger: Pietersen was the next to incur the wrath of the referee (=make him angry).be
rageverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesrageragesragedragingragerage2 verbVerb form1ANGRY[intransitive and transitive] written to feel very angry about something and show this in the way you behave or speakrage at/againstHe was sorry he had raged at her earlier.behaverageearly‘How was I to know!’ Jenny raged.berage2CONTINUE/NOT STOP[intransitive] if something such as a battle, a disagreement, or a storm rages, it continues with great violence or strong emotions: Civil war has been raging in the country for years.haveberageyearA debate is raging about what form pensions should take.beragepensionshallOutside, a storm was raging.beragerage onThe battle raged on (=continued).rage3[intransitive] if a fire or illness rages, it spreads fast and is hard to control: The fire raged for twelve hours and fifteen people died.ragehourdieA great cholera epidemic raged across Europe in 1831.rage4[intransitive] informal to have fun with a group of people in a wild and uncontrolled way: We couldn’t wait to go out and rage.
-ragesuffix-rage-rage-rage /reɪdʒ/ suffix [in nouns] road-rage/air-rage etc when someone becomes extremely angry and violent while they are driving, on a plane etc:
He was attacked in a road-rage incident.beattack
adverbWord family1COMPLETELYcompletely – used to emphasize what you are saying: It’s perfectly normal to be nervous before a performance.The sale was perfectly legal.beYou can get a perfectly good coat at Sears for a lot less money.searlittle2PERFECTin a perfect way: The plan worked perfectly.workThe steaks were perfectly cooked.steakbecook
verb (past tense and past participle shut, present participle shutting)Language: Old EnglishOrigin: scyttan Verb form1[intransitive and transitive]SHUT/CLOSE to close something, or to become closed:
Shut the window, Ellen!I heard his bedroom door shut.hearShe lay down on her bed and shut her eyes.lieeyeshut (something) behind somebodyShe walked quickly in and shut the door behind her.walkHe shut the drawer and turned the key.turn2shut your mouth/face/trap! (also shut your gob!/shut it! British English) spoken not politeTALK TO SB used to tell someone to stop talking3[intransitive and transitive] British EnglishSHUT/CLOSE to stop being open to the public for a short time or permanently SYN close: The post office shuts at 5 o'clock.shutAt midday we shut the shop for lunch.He lost his job when they shut the factory.lose4shut your eyes/ears to somethingSHUT/CLOSE to deliberately refuse to notice or pay attention to something: We ought not to shut our eyes to these facts.eyefactShe heard the boys shouting to her to stop, but she shut her ears to them.hearboyshoutear5shut something in the door/drawer etc British Englishshut the door/drawer etc on something American EnglishSHUT/CLOSE to shut a door etc against something so that it gets trapped there: I shut my finger in the back door yesterday and it still hurts.hurtshut somebody/something ↔ away phrasal verb1KEEP SB IN A PLACEto put someone or something in a place away from other people where they cannot be seen: A lot of people are classed as mad and shut away unnecessarily.beclass2shut yourself awayALONE to deliberately avoid seeing people by staying at home or going to a quiet place, especially because you are very unhappy or want to study, write etc: When news came of Robin’s death, she shut herself away and saw no one.comeseeshut yourself away inShe shut herself away in her room to work on her novel.shut down phrasal verb1STOP HAPPENINGif a company, factory, large machine etc shuts down or is shut down, it stops operating, either permanently or for a short time: Our local hardware shop has shut down.haveshut something ↔ downan accident which resulted in two of the plant’s nuclear reactors being shut downresultreactorbeThe way to shut the machine down is to type EXIT.be2shut somebody ↔ down informal to prevent an opposing team or player from playing well or getting points: We all knew that to win we’d have to shut down Bobby Mitchell.knowshut somebody in (something) phrasal verb a)if you shut someone in a room, you close the door and stop them from getting out: Her parents shut her in an upstairs room.parentHe pushed the dogs into the breakfast room and shut them in.pushdog b)shut yourself in (something) if you shut yourself in a room, you close the door and stay in there, and often stop other people from coming in: Ellie darted back to her room and shut herself in.dartHe shut himself in his room and wrote letters.writelettershut off phrasal verb1SWITCH ON OR OFFif a machine, tool etc shuts off or if you shut it off, it stops operating SYN turn off: The iron shuts off automatically if it gets too hot.shutgetshut something ↔ offI let the engine run for a minute and then shut it off.Don’t forget to shut off the water supply.2PREVENTshut something ↔ off to prevent goods or supplies from being available or being delivered: a strike that closed the mines and shut off coal suppliescloseminesupply3shut yourself offALONE to avoid meeting and talking to other peopleshut yourself off fromHe was cold and remote, shutting himself off from her completely.beshut4be shut off from somebody/somethingSEPARATE to be separated from other people or things, especially so that you are not influenced by them: The valley is shut off from the modern world.beshut out phrasal verb1IGNOREshut somebody out to deliberately not let someone join you in an activity or share your thoughts and feelings: How can I help you if you just keep shutting me out all the time?shutshut somebody out fromI felt I was being shut out from all the family’s affairs.feelbebeaffair2ENTER#shut somebody/something ↔ out to prevent someone or something from entering a place: heavy curtains that shut out the sunlightcurtainshut somebody/something ↔ out fromThe door closed firmly, shutting me out from the warmth inside.closeshut3IGNOREshut something ↔ out to stop yourself from thinking about or noticing something, so that you are not affected by it: People close their windows at night in a vain attempt to shut out the sound of gunfire.windowShe shut out memories of James.memoryJenny closed her eyes and tried to shut everything out.closeeyetry4shut out somebody American English to defeat an opposing sports team and prevent them from getting any points: Colorado shut out Kansas City 3–0.shut up phrasal verb1shut up! spoken not politeTALK TO SB used to tell someone to stop talking SYN be quiet!: Oh, shut up! I don’t want to hear your excuses.excuseJust shut up and listen.shut up! aboutShut up about your stupid dog, okay!2shut (somebody) upTALK TO SBQUIET informal to stop talking or be quiet, or to make someone do this: I can’t stand that woman. She never shuts up.shutshut (somebody) up aboutI wish you’d shut up about Chris.I only said that to shut her up.say3KEEP SB IN A PLACEshut somebody up to keep someone in a place away from other people, and prevent them from leavingshut somebody up inI’ve had a terrible cold and been shut up in my room for a week.havebeWas there any need to keep us shut up here?be4SHUT/CLOSEshut something ↔ up to close a shop, room etc so that people cannot get into it: Bernadette cleaned the attic and then shut it up for another year.clean5shut up shop British English informalSHUT/CLOSE to close a business or stop working, at the end of the day or permanentlyTHESAURUSclose to stop being open, or to make something stop being open. You use close and shut especially about your eyes, your mouth, a door, a window, or a container: Can I close the window? | Her eyes slowly closed.eyeclose | He closed the door gently, so as not to wake the children.closechildshut to close something . Shut sometimes has a feeling of doing something quickly and firmly, whereas close sounds more careful: He shut the door with a loud bang. | Shut your eyes and go to sleep.eyeslam to close a door or lid quickly and noisily, especially because you are angry: She left the room, slamming the door behind her.leaveslamdraw the curtains to close curtains by pulling them across a window: The curtains were still drawn at ten o'clock in the morning.curtainbedrawput the lid on something to close a container by putting a lid onto it: Did you put the lid on the cookie jar?doseal to close something so that no air or water can get in or out: In this experiment, the chamber must be completely sealed.seal
shutadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesshutshutshut2 adjective [not before noun]1SHUT/CLOSEnot open SYN closed: Is the door shut properly?beShe kept the windows shut, for fear of burglars.keepwindowburglarHe sat with his eyes shut.siteyeThe windows were tightly shut.windowbeslam/bang/swing etc shutThe door slammed shut behind him.slampull/kick/slam etc something shutJenny pulled the window shut.pull → keep your mouth shut at keep1(2)2British EnglishSHUT/CLOSE if a shop, bar etc is shut, it is not open for business SYN closed: in the evening when the shops are shutevenshopbeSorry, but we’re shut.shut forThe first four hotels we tried were shut for the winter.hoteltrybeCOLLOCATIONSadverbstightly/tight shut He went on sobbing, his eyes tight shut.gosobeyefirmly shut The door remained firmly shut.remainverbssomething slams/bangs shut The front door slammed shut.slamsomething swings shut The gate swung shut behind her.swingpull/kick/slam something shut He pulled the trapdoor shut over his head.pullkeep something shut When it’s so hot, we keep the doors and windows shut and put on the air conditioner.doorwindowscrew/squeeze your eyes shut (=shut your eyes tight)
nounDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: Latin sacrificium, from sacer ( → SACRED) + facere ‘to make’ 1GIVE[uncountable and countable] when you decide not to have something valuable, in order to get something that is more important:
The minister stressed the need for economic sacrifice.stressThe workforce were willing to make sacrifices in order to preserve jobs.bewillsacrificejobShe brought three children up single-handedly, often at great personal sacrifice.bringchild2a)[uncountable and countable] the act of offering something to a god, especially in the past, by killing an animal or person in a religious ceremony: They made sacrifices to ensure a good harvest.makesacrifice b)[countable] an animal, person, or object offered to a god in sacrificesacrifice toIn those days, an animal was offered as a sacrifice to God.daybeoffera human sacrifice (=a person killed as a sacrifice)3literary the final/supreme/ultimate sacrificeDIE the act of dying while you are fighting for a principle or in order to help other people: Captain Oates made the ultimate sacrifice in a bid to save his colleagues.makecolleague
sacrificeverbCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Word sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplessacrificesacrificessacrificedsacrificingsacrificesacrifice2 verbVerb form1[transitive]GIVE to willingly stop having something you want or doing something you like in order to get something more importantsacrifice something for somethingA Labour government chose to sacrifice defence for welfare.choosesacrifice something to do somethingHe sacrificed a promising career to look after his kids.sacrificepromisekidsacrifice yourself (for something)mothers who sacrifice themselves for their childrenmotherchildRegisterIn everyday English, people often say give up rather than sacrifice:He gave up a promising career to look after his kids.givepromisekid2[intransitive and transitive] to kill an animal or person and offer them to a god in a religious ceremony
adjectiveWord family1CONNECTED WITHthings that are related are connected in some way: Police now believe that the three crimes could be related.crimecanrelatethe problem of drug abuse and other related issuesrelateissuerelated toHe suffers with memory loss related to his disease.sufferrelateclosely/directly/strongly etc relatedEducation levels are strongly related to income.levelberelatedrug-/pollution-/stress-related etcpeople suffering from tobacco-related illnessessufferrelateillness2[not before noun]FAMILY connected by a family relationship: Are you two related?berelaterelated toI might be related to him.relate3CONNECTED WITHanimals, plants, languages etc that are related belong to the same group: Dolphins and porpoises are closely related.dolphinporpoiseberelateCOLLOCATIONSadverbsclosely related I want to focus on a small number of closely related questions.numbrelatequestionstrongly related People’s occupations are strongly related to their level of education.occupationberelateintimately related (=very closely related) Learning to read and learning to write are intimately related.learnlearnberelatedirectly/indirectly related illnesses which are directly related to povertyillnessberelateloosely related (=not closely related) a series of loosely related ideasrelateideainversely related technical (=related so that when one is large, the other is small) The demand for bank lending is inversely related to the rate of interest charged.lendberelatechargeTHESAURUSrelated/connected adjective used about things that have a connection with each other. Connected is not used before a noun: Physics and Maths are closely related.mathberelate | The two problems are connected.problembeconnect | homelessness and other related issuesrelateissuelinked adjective having a direct connection – often used when one thing is the cause of the other: Skin cancer is directly linked to sun exposure and damage.belink | Two closely linked factors produced this result.linkfactorproduceinterrelated/interconnected adjective used about two or more things that are connected with each other and affect each other in a complicated series of ways: The various parts of society are closely interrelated.partbeinterrelate | The book consists of a series of interconnected essays.consistinterconnectessayinterdependent used about two or more things, countries, people etc that depend on each other, and cannot exist or continue without each other: The two countries’ economies have become increasingly interdependent.countryeconomy | interdependent relationships between speciesrelationship | Darwin said that all life on earth is interdependent.sayberelevant adjective related to what is being discussed or to a particular area of activity: The exam tests the way you select and organize information relevant to the question.test | Applicants should have several years’ relevant experience.applicantshallyearbe bound up with something to be very closely connected – used about two things that need to be considered together: The history of the city has long been bound up with the sea.havebebind | Your professional development is closely bound up with personal growth.bebind
, enquiryenquiriesinquiriesenquiry /ɪnˈkwaɪəri $ ɪnˈkwaɪri, ˈɪŋkwəri/ noun (plural inquiries)1[countable]ASK A QUESTION a question you ask in order to get informationinquiry aboutWe’re getting a lot of inquiries about our new London–Rio service.getinquiryinquiry frominquiries from potential applicantsinquiryapplicantI don’t know who sent the gift, but I’ll make some inquiries.sendinquiryhelp the police with their inquiries British English (=to answer questions about a crime)2[uncountable]ASK A QUESTION the act or process of asking questions in order to get information: On further inquiry, it emerged that Malcolm had not been involved in the incident.faremergehavebeinvolveThe local council set up a committee of inquiry to look into policing arrangements.policearrangementscientific/intellectual inquiry3[countable]INVESTIGATE an official process to find out about somethinginquiry intoa judicial inquiry into the deathsdeathlaunch/set up/hold an inquiry (into something)The Civil Aviation Authority has agreed to hold an inquiry into the accident.haveagreeThe police have launched a murder inquiry.launchParents have called for an independent inquiry into the accident.parentcall → line of inquiry at line1(12)COLLOCATIONSMeaning 1verbsmake an inquiry The police are making inquiries to discover the cause of the accident.bemakeinquiryget/have an inquiry (=receive it) We’ve already had a lot of inquiries about membership of the new sports centre.haveinquirysportreceive an inquiry formal The television station has received several inquiries from viewers requesting a repeat of the programme.havereceiveinquiryviewerrequesthandle/deal with an inquiry Staff will be available to deal with inquiries.inquiryanswer an inquiry (also respond to an inquiry formal) The government has not yet answered our inquiry.haveansweradjectivesa general inquiry There is a need for a general inquiry into the train company’s safety standards.bestandarda specific inquiry His job is to answer specific inquiries by individuals or groups.beinquiryindividualgroupa written inquiry I submitted a written inquiry to the local council.submitwritephrasesa flood/stream of inquiries The special offer has produced a flood of inquiries from interested customers.haveproduceinquiryinterestcustomerCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 3verbshold an inquiry The government has refused to hold an inquiry into the incident.haverefuselaunch/set up an inquiry (=start it) Police launched an inquiry yesterday after a man was killed by a patrol car.launchbekillADJECTIVES/NOUN + inquiry an official inquiry The outcome of the official inquiry will be eagerly awaited.awaita public inquiry (=one which is open to members of the public) MPs are demanding a public inquiry into the explosion at the nuclear power station.bedemandan independent inquiry (=one that is organized by people who are not involved in a situation) The Labour Party is calling for an independent inquiry into the conduct of the police.becalla police inquiry The case has been reopened with a police inquiry.havebereopena judicial inquiry (=one involving a judge) Calls for a judicial inquiry into the affair are growing louder.callbegrowlouda government inquiry (=organized by the government) A government inquiry was set up into discipline in schools.beschoola murder inquiry Police say they haven’t launched a murder inquiry at this stage.launchan accident inquiry The accident inquiry revealed that the accident had been caused by human error.revealhavebecausea parliamentary/congressional inquiry (=by Parliament/Congress) The report of a parliamentary inquiry into the drugs trade is published today.drugbepublish
a British organization which helps those who have problems with relationships, especially marriage. It used to be called the Marriage Guidance Council.
relateverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesrelaterelatesrelatedrelatingrelatere‧late S2 W1 /rɪˈleɪt/
verbWord familyDate: 1400-1500Language: Latin
Origin: past participle of referre; → REFER Verb form1[intransitive]CONNECTED WITH if two things relate, they are connected in some way SYN connect:
I don’t understand how the two ideas relate.idearelate toThe charges of fraud relate to events that took place over ten years ago.chargeeventtakeyearRegisterIn everyday English, people often say something has (something) to do with another thing, rather than relates to it:The changes have to do with events that took place over ten years ago.changeeventtakeyearI don't understand what the two ideas have to do with each other.idea2[transitive] if you relate two different things, you show how they are connectedrelate something to somethingThe report seeks to relate the rise in crime to an increase in unemployment.seek3[transitive] formalTELL to tell someone about events that have happened to you or to someone elserelate something to somebodyHe later related the whole story to me.laterelate4[intransitive]UNDERSTAND to feel that you understand someone’s problem, situation etcrelate toLaurie finds it difficult to relate to children.findchildI know he feels upset, and I can relate to that.feelTHESAURUStell to give someone information by speaking or writing to them: She wrote to tell me she was getting married.writebegetmarry | Can you tell us where the nearest garage is?nearbelet somebody know especially spoken to tell someone something when you know more about it: Let me know your new address as soon as you can. | Let us know what happens at the interview.happenpass a message on to somebody (also pass it on informal) to tell another person the information that has been told to you: She’s with a client at the moment, but I’ll pass the message on to her. | If I get any news, I’ll pass it on.brief to give someone all the necessary information about a situation, so that they can do their work: Police officers were briefed before going out to arrest the suspects.officerbebriefgosuspectrelate formal to tell someone about something that happened to you or to someone else: One girl related a story about a friend who had accidentally become pregnant.relatehaverecount formal to tell someone about a series of events: The guide recounted the history of the castle, from the 1300s onwards.recountbring something to sb’s attention to tell someone about something that they did not know about, but which they need to know about: I wanted to bring the matter to your attention.want | She was the first person to study the effects of pesticides, and to bring them to people’s attention.beeffectpesticidefill somebody in informal to tell someone about things that have happened recently, especially at work: Can you fill Robert in on the progress we’ve made while he’s been on holiday?makebe
noun a person who comes from Saudi Arabia—SaudiSaudi adjective
adjective (comparative stricter, superlative strictest)Date: 1400-1500Language: Latin
Origin: strictus, past participle of stringere; → STRINGENT 1STRICTexpecting people to obey rules or to do what you say OPP lenient:
a strict teacherstrict aboutThis company is very strict about punctuality.bestrict withThe Stuarts are very strict with their children.bechild2STRICTa strict order or rule is one that must be obeyed: You had strict instructions not to tell anybody.haveinstructionThere are strict limits on presidential campaign contributions.belimitcontributionHe’s under strict orders from his doctor to quit smoking.ordersmokeI’m telling you this in the strictest confidence (=it must be kept completely secret).tellstrict3[usually before noun]EXACT exact and correct, often in a way that seems unreasonable: Amy was attractive, although not beautiful in the strictest sense of the word.bestrict4OBEYSTRICTobeying all the rules of a religion or set of principles: He was raised a strict Catholic.beraisea strict vegetarian—strictnessstrictnessesstrictness noun [uncountable]COLLOCATIONSMeaning 2nounsstrict rules/regulations/guidelines There are strict rules and regulations regarding conduct.beruleregulationregarda strict code (=set of rules about what is acceptable) The club has a strict dress code.have | Doctors have a strict code of conduct.doctorstrict limits Many airlines impose strict limits on the weight of baggage.airlinelimitstrict orders/instructions He’s left strict instructions not to be disturbed.leaveinstructiondisturbstrict control There must be strict control of local government spending.spendstrict discipline (=rules of behaviour which must be obeyed) The head teacher insists upon strict discipline throughout the school.insiststrict requirements Landlords must comply with strict safety requirements.landlordrequirementstrict criteria (=standards that are used for judging someone or making a decision about them) The supermarket’s suppliers must meet strict criteria.suppliercriteriona strict diet He went on a strict diet and lost a lot of weight.golosephrasesin strict confidence/in the strictest confidence (=kept completely secret) Any information you give will be treated in the strictest confidence.treatstrictTHESAURUSstrict expecting people to obey rules or to do what you say – used especially about parents, teachers, or organizations: Our teachers were very strict.teacherbe | Most schools are quite strict about the way students dress.schoolbestudentfirm showing that you are in control of the situation and will not change your opinion, especially when you are telling someone what to do: You have to be firm with young children.child | I’ll be firm with him and tell him he can’t have any more money.tough determined that your orders or decisions will be obeyed, especially in order to make sure that a situation improves – used especially when you think that someone is right to be strict: We need a government that is tough on crime.be | She can be quite tough with her students, but they respect her for it.student | The chancellor has got to be tough and keep government spending down.havegetspendstern strict in a serious, disapproving, and rather unfriendly way: Her grandfather was a stern man who rarely smiled.besmile | Sheila walked into the museum, under the stern gaze of the curator.walkharsh punishing or criticizing someone in a way that seems very severe, often too severe: Don’t be too harsh on her – she’s only a child. | It may seem harsh to punish him, but he has to learn that this kind of behaviour is unacceptable.havebe | Her reaction to the child’s bad behaviour was unnecessarily harsh.beauthoritarian disapproving very strict about forcing people to obey rules or laws, and punishing them very severely if they fail to do this – used about people and governments: Her father was very authoritarian and insisted on total obedience.beinsist | an authoritarian governmentrule/law/systemstrict a strict order or rule is one that must be obeyed: There are strict rules about keeping tax records.berulekeeprecord | He had strict instructions to return the key to me.haveinstructiontight tight controls or limits are very strict about what is allowed and what is not allowed: The report recommends tighter controls on the advertising of alcohol.recommendtightcontroladvertise | There are tight regulations governing waste disposal.beregulationgoverntough tough laws or rules are very strict: They want tougher laws against drinking and driving.toughlawdrinkdrive | The federal government is introducing tough new rules on immigration.beintroduceruleharsh harsh punishments or laws are very severe, often too severe: There are harsh penalties for drug trafficking.bepenaltytraffic | The government has brought in harsh measures to combat the rioting taking place in many cities.havebringmeasureriottakecitystringent controlling what people can do with rules that have very high standards: There are now stringent controls on pollution from all power stations.becontrolstation | stringent new food safety regulationsregulation
adjectiveWord familyDate: 1500-1600Language: Latin
Origin: temporarius, from tempus ‘time’ 1TEMPORARYcontinuing for only a limited period of time OPP permanent:
temporary pain reliefI’m living with my parents, but it’s only temporary.liveparentYou might want to consider temporary work until you decide what you want to do.She was employed on a temporary basis.beemploy2TEMPORARYintended to be used for only a limited period of time OPP permanent: temporary accommodationThe bridge was erected as a temporary measure.beerect—temporarilytemporarily /ˈtempərərəli, ˈtempərərɪli $ ˌtempəˈrerəli/ adverb: Due to a small fire, the office will be closed temporarily.closeTHESAURUStemporary continuing for only a limited period of time: I’ve got a temporary office job, but I hope I’ll find something more permanent soon.get | I’m sure the problem is only temporary.be | temporary staff | a temporary visaprovisional temporary – used especially about arrangements or information that people may decide to change in the future. Also used about licences or governments which are only arranged to last for a short time: Does the hotel accept provisional bookings?dobooking | They have set a provisional date for the next meeting.meet | a provisional driving licencedrive | In June, the rebels claimed to have formed a provisional government.rebelclaimform | Provisional figures yesterday from the Department of Transport showed that 4,274 people were killed last year — 6 percent fewer than the previous year.figureshowbekillstopgap [only before noun] temporary – used about something that you use for a short time until you can replace it with something better: The Republicans will approve the one-month budget as a stopgap measure to keep the state operating.republicanoperate | This is only a stopgap solution to the country’s debt problem.bepassing [only before noun] temporary – used about an interest, thought, or feeling that is short and not very serious: Tonight’s game will be exciting, even to those with only a passing interest in the sport.excitepass | As a student, I didn’t give working in finance even a passing thought.workpassthinkephemeral formal existing or popular for only a short time: the ephemeral beauty of white snow on green trees and bare branchestreebranch | Many new words, particularly slang, are fleeting and ephemeral.wordbetransient formal continuing for only a limited time, or staying somewhere for only a short time – used especially to say that something is always changing, or people only stay somewhere for a short time: the transient nature of life | transient changes in the electrical properties of the neuronschangepropertyneuron | Arizona has a highly transient population.have
verb [transitive]Date: 1300-1400Language: French
Origin: préserver, from Late Latin praeservare, from Latin servare ‘to keep, guard, watch’ Verb form1CONTINUE/NOT STOPto save something or someone from being harmed or destroyed → preservation:
We must encourage the planting of new trees and preserve our existing woodlands.planttreeexistwoodland2CHANGE/BECOME DIFFERENTto make something continue without changing: the responsibility of the police to preserve the peaceNorma tried to preserve a normal family life in difficult circumstances.trycircumstance3KEEP/STOREto store food for a long time after treating it so that it will not decay: black olives preserved in brineolivepreserve—preservablepreservable adjective—preserverpreserverspreserver noun [countable] → well-preservedTHESAURUSprotect to keep someone or something safe from harm, damage, or illness: Don’t worry, I’ll protect you. | The government wants to protect the environment.want | Eating healthily helps to protect against many diseases.eathelpdiseasegive/offer/provide protection to protect someone from something harmful: Wearing a hat offers some protection from the sun.wearoffer | The drug can give protection against cancer. | The law provides no protection.provideguard to protect a person, place, or object by staying near them and watching them: Police officers guarded the entrance to the building.officerguardbuild | He is guarded by armed men.beguardarmmansave to protect someone or something when they are in danger of being harmed or destroyed: Local people are fighting to save the theatre from demolition.befight | Emergency aid could save millions of people who are threatened with starvation.canbethreatenpreserve to keep something, especially buildings or the environment, from being harmed, destroyed, or changed too much: The organization works to preserve forests.workforest | There is little money for preserving historic buildings.bepreservebuildingsafeguard to protect something important, such as people’s rights, interests, jobs, health etc: The deal will safeguard 200 jobs at the factory.job | Laws should do more to safeguard the rights of victims.lawshallrightvictimshield to put something in front of something else to protect it. Also used to talk about protecting people from unpleasant situations: He lifted his hand to shield his eyes from the light.lifteye | They thought the public should be shielded from the truth.thinkshallshieldshelter to provide a place where someone or something is protected from the weather or from danger: The village is sheltered by a belt of trees.besheltertree | His family had sheltered Jews during the war.haveshelterharbour British English, harbor American English to help and protect someone who has done something illegal, and prevent the police from finding them: He is accused of harbouring suspected terrorists.beaccuseharboursuspectterrorist
preservenounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplespreservepreservespreservepreserve2 noun1[countable usually plural] a substance made from boiling fruit or vegetables with sugar, salt, or vinegar: homemade fruit preservespreserve2[singular]SUITABLE an activity that is only suitable or allowed for a particular group of people: Banking used to be a male preserve.bankusepreserve ofThe civil service became the preserve of the educated middle class.becomeeducate3[countable] an area of land or water that is kept for private hunting or fishing
adverbWord family RARELYnot often OPP frequently: She very rarely complains.complainThis method is rarely used in modern laboratories.beuselaboratoryGrammarIn formal or literary writing, rarely can be put first, followed by an auxiliary and the subject, to emphasize that something does not often happen: Rarely is the customer consulted on the changes.beconsultchangeTHESAURUSrarely not often: These geese are rarely found on inland waters.goosebefindwater | 50% of Britons say they rarely eat meat.not (very) often often used in everyday English instead of saying rarely: Tina’s not often late. | I don't go there very often. | It's not often that you get a chance like this.seldom rarely. Seldom is more formal than rarely and is used especially in written English: He seldom slept well.sleep | They seldom went out.gohardly ever/scarcely ever almost never: Ben’s nineteen and he’s hardly ever at home these days.day | For some reason, her name was scarcely ever mentioned.bementionvery occasionally used when you want to emphasize that something only happens a few times over a long period of time: Very occasionally the temperature drops to below 30.drop
noun
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: breost 1BODYwoman’s body [countable] one of the two round raised parts on a woman’s chest that produce milk when she has a baby:
These bras are specially designed for women with large breasts.brabedesignwomanbreastbreast milkbreast cancerbare-breasted/small-breasted etc2chestCHEST [countable] written the part of your body between your neck and your stomach: Dick cradled her photograph against his breast.cradle3birdPART OF A BIRD [countable] the front part of a bird’s body, below its neck: a robin with a red breastred-breasted/white-breasted etcred-breasted geesebreastgoose4meatMEAT [uncountable] meat that comes from the front part of the body of a bird such as a chicken: turkey breast5clothes [countable usually singular] the part of a jacket, shirt etc that covers the top part of your chest → double-breasted, single-breasted6make a clean breast of it/thingsADMIT to admit that you have done something wrong7emotionsEMOTIONS [countable] literaryFEEL HAPPY/FRIGHTENED/BORED ETC where your feelings of sadness, love, anger, fear etc come from: a troubled breasttrouble → beat your breast at beat1(31), → chimney breast
breastverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesbreastbreastsbreastedbreastingbreastbreast2 verb [transitive] formalVerb form1TOPto reach the top of a hill or slope2PUSHto push against something with your chest
verbWord familyDate: 1500-1600Language: Latin
Origin: explorare, from plorare ‘to cry out’; probably from the shouting of hunters when they see the animal they are trying to catch Verb form1[transitive]EXAMINEDISCUSS to discuss or think about something carefully SYN look at:
Management need to explore ways of improving office security.wayimproveI’m going to explore the possibility of a part-time job.go2[intransitive and transitive]TRAVELEXAMINE to travel around an area in order to find out about it: Venice is a wonderful city to explore.be3explore (something) for oil/minerals/gold etc to look for something such as oil, minerals etc4[transitive] written to feel something with your hand or another part of your body to find out what it is like: Gingerly she explored the bump on her head with her fingers.explorefingerTHESAURUSinvestigate to try to find out the truth about something such as a crime, accident, or scientific problem: Police are investigating an explosion in the city centre.beinvestigate | The aim of the study is to investigate how climate change is affecting animal behaviour.bebeaffect | There were fears he may have drowned in the lake, so divers were sent down to investigate.befeardrowndiverbesendlook into something to find out more about a problem, especially after someone has asked you to do this: The manager promised to look into my complaint.promise | Please could you look into the matter for me?canexplore to consider or discuss something, in order to help you decide what you should do: Military leaders are exploring new ways of defending the United States from terrorism.leaderbeexplorewaydefendunitestate | I’m going to explore the possibility of a part-time job.goprobe [intransitive and transitive] to try to find secret or hidden information, especially by asking questions: The press began probing into the actor’s private life.beginprobe | We have been probing the reasons why the government has been so slow to react to the problem of climate change.beprobereasonhavebedelve [intransitive] to look somewhere in order to try to find more information about something, especially something that is difficult to find out about: Over the past year Ms Deen has been delving into the national archives, in order to discover information on the early Muslim settlers.havebedelvearchivesettler | I think we need to delve a little deeper.deepbe under investigation if someone or their activities are under investigation, the police are trying to find out if they have done something illegal: Several public figures are under investigation for corruption.figurebe
adjectiveDate: 1400-1500Language: Latin
Origin: present participle of permanere ‘to stay till the end’ LONG TIMEcontinuing to exist for a long time or for all the time in the future OPP temporary:
He gave up a permanent job in order to freelance.givea permanent change in your eating habitseathabitThe blindness that the disease causes will be permanent.causeMiller soon became a permanent fixture (=someone or something that is always there) on the team.become—permanencepermanencespermanence (also permanencypermanency) noun [uncountable]: the permanence of parental loveour desire for some sense of permanenceTHESAURUSpermanent continuing forever, for a very long time, or for the rest of your life: She has permanent damage to her eyesight.have | the search for a permanent solution to the problem | They’ve offered her the job on a permanent basis.offerlasting continuing for a very long time – used especially when something continues to affect someone or something for a long time: The experience left a lasting impression on him.leavelast | Things that happen in early childhood can have a lasting effect on your life.thinglast | Shelley was to have a lasting influence on him.belast | Is there any hope for a lasting peace in the Middle East?belastnever-ending continuing so long that you think it will never end – used especially when something needs a lot of effort: Keeping the house clean is a never-ending battle.keepbeend | It was a never-ending task.beend | The search was never-ending.beendperpetual a perpetual state or feeling seems to be there all the time – used especially about something that is very annoying, worrying, or tiring: For many working mothers, balancing the demands of children and job is a perpetual challenge.workmotherbalancedemandchildbe | The people live in a perpetual state of fear.everlasting continuing forever – used especially in the following phrases: Gold is the symbol of everlasting love.be | He promised them everlasting life.promiseeternal continuing forever – used especially in the following phrases: Do you believe in eternal life? | the secret of eternal youth | She has my eternal gratitude (=I will always be grateful to her).have | You’re always the eternal optimist. (=you always think that good things will happen)
permanentnounCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Phrases from other entriespermanentpermanentspermanentpermanent2 noun [countable] American English a perm1
noun [uncountable]Date: 1300-1400Origin: Probably from Anglo-French tenetz! ‘take!, receive!’ (as called out by the player first hitting the ball in tennis), from tenir; → TENANT a game for two people or two pairs of people who use rackets to hit a small soft ball backwards and forwards over a net
noun [uncountable]1the sport of racing horses SYN horse racing: watching the racing on televisionwatchracetoday’s racing resultsraceresult → flat racing2car/bike/greyhound etc racing the sport of racing cars etc
racingadjectiveCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesracingracingracing2 adjective [only before noun] designed or bred to go very fast and be used for racing: racing pigeonsracepigeona racing yachtrace
verb (past tense and past participle fled /fled/) [intransitive and transitive] writtenLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: flean Verb form ESCAPEto leave somewhere very quickly, in order to escape from danger:
His attackers turned and fled.attackerturnfleeMasaari spent six months in prison before fleeing the country.spendmonthfleeflee to/from/intoMany German artists fled to America at the beginning of World War II.artistfleebeginTHESAURUSescape to leave a place when someone is trying to catch you or stop you, or when there is a dangerous situation: The thief escaped through an upstairs window.escape | She managed to escape from her attacker and call the police.manageget away to escape from someone who is chasing you, especially when there is no chance that you will be caught. Get away is more informal than escape: The robbers got away but left plenty of clues at the scene.robbergetleaveclue | Don’t let him get away!break free/break away to escape from someone who is holding you: She broke free and started running.breakstartrunflee written to leave somewhere very quickly in order to escape from danger: Many people were forced to flee the country.beforce | The two men fled before police arrived.manfleearriveget out to escape from a building or room: I was locked in the room and couldn’t get out.belockbreak out to escape from prison: The jail is so secure that no one has ever broken out of it.behavebreakabscond formal to escape from a prison or institution where you are supposed to stay: Three prisoners who absconded have still not been found.prisonerabscondbefind | He absconded from a psychiatric hospital.abscond
noun [countable]Date: 1400-1500Language: Scottish English
Origin: Old English rad ‘ride, raid’; → ROAD 1a short attack on a place by soldiers, planes, or ships, intended to cause damage but not take control:
a bombing raidbomban air raid warning sirenwarnraid on/againstThe colonel led a successful raid against a rebel base.leadlaunch/carry out/stage a raidThe army launched several cross-border raids last night.launchraid → air raid2a surprise visit made to a place by the police to search for something illegal: a police raidan FBI raidraid onFour people were arrested during a raid on a house in London.bearresta dawn raid (=one made very early in the morning)3an attack by criminals on a building where they believe they can steal money or drugs: a bank raidraid onan armed raid on a shop in Glasgowarm → ram-raiding4technical an attempt by a company to buy enough shares in another company to take control of itCOLLOCATIONSverbsmake a raid Pirates often made daring raids on the port.piratemakedareraidcarry out a raid (=make a raid) They were encouraged by the French king to carry out raids upon English ships.beencourageraidshiplaunch a raid (=start a raid) Rebel forces launched cross-border raids.forcelaunchraidtake part in a raid They took part in various raids, including the bombing of Cologne in 1942.takeraidincludebombADJECTIVES/NOUN + raid an air raid (=when bombs are dropped from planes) His parents were killed in an air raid.parentbekilla bombing raid Bombing raids had destroyed most of the country's oil refineries.bombraidhavedestroyrefinerya commando raid (=a raid by specially trained soldiers) There had been two unsuccessful British commando raids.haveberaida guerrilla raid (=a raid by a small unofficial military group) From their base in the rainforest they staged guerilla raids on Nicaragua.stageraida night raid (=an attack that takes place at night) The night raids were almost non-stop.raidbea cross-border raid (=across a border between two countries) Cross-border raids into Kenya last year caused a serious diplomatic conflict.raidcause
raidverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Word sets 1 2Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesraidraidsraidedraidingraidraid2 verb [transitive]Verb form1if police raid a place, they make a surprise visit to search for something illegal: Police found weapons when they raided his home.findweaponraid2ATTACKto make a sudden military attack on a place: air bases on the mainland from which the island could be raidedbasiscanraidraiding party (=a group taking part in an attack)3STEALto go into a place and steal things: The gang raided three homes in the area.raidhome4to go to a place that has supplies of food or drink and take some because you are hungry: Peter went into the kitchen to raid the fridge.go
nounWord familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: plaisir; → PLEASE2 1[uncountable]HAPPYSATISFIED the feeling of happiness, enjoyment, or satisfaction that you get from an experience → pleasantwith pleasure
She sipped her drink with obvious pleasure.sipfor pleasureAre you taking the trip for business or pleasure?betake2[countable]ENJOY/LIKE DOING STH an activity or experience that you enjoy very much → pleasant: the simple pleasures of lifepleasurebe a pleasure to read/work with/watch etcCarol was a pleasure to work with.be3(it’s) my pleasure spokenTHANK used when someone has thanked you for doing something and you want to say that you were glad to do it4[singular] spoken formal used to be polite when you are meeting someone, asking for something, agreeing to do something etchave the pleasure of (doing) somethingMay I have the pleasure of seeing you again?seeIt’s been a pleasure to meet you.beIt’ll be a pleasure/With pleasure (=used to respond to a request)‘Give the kids a hug for me.’ ‘With pleasure.’kid5at your pleasure formalFREE TO DO WHAT YOU WANT if you can do something at your pleasure, you can do it when you want to and in the way you want to6at His/Her Majesty’s pleasure British English law if someone is put in prison at His or Her Majesty’s pleasure, there is no fixed limit to the time they have to spend thereCOLLOCATIONSverbstake pleasure in (doing) something He takes great pleasure in boasting about his big salary.takeboastget pleasure from/out of something Young children get a lot of pleasure from dressing up.childdressfind pleasure in (doing) something I find great pleasure in reading.readgive (somebody) pleasure Over the years, painting has given me a lot of pleasure.yearpainthavegivebring pleasure to somebody (=give someone pleasure) His singing has brought pleasure to millions.singhavebringderive pleasure from something formal (=get pleasure from it) I derive great pleasure from playing chess.playadjectivesgreat/enormous/immense pleasure Steinbeck’s books have brought enormous pleasure to many people.bookbringsheer/pure pleasure He studied ancient languages for the sheer pleasure of learning.studylanguagelearngenuine/real pleasure She smiled with genuine pleasure.smileperverse pleasure (=unreasonable, surprising, or bad) Some people derive perverse pleasure from the suffering of others.sufferphrasesa source of pleasure Her garden was a constant source of pleasure.beTHESAURUSpleasure the feeling you have when you are doing something you enjoy or when something very nice has happened to you: Most craftsmen get a lot of pleasure out of making things.craftsmanmakething | His music has brought pleasure to people all over the world.havebringhappiness the feeling you have when you are happy: Happiness is more important than money.be | Pauline was willing to do anything for her children’s happiness.bewillchild | I doubt she’ll find happiness with Gary.joy especially written a deep feeling of great happiness, because something good has happened: It’s hard to describe the joy we felt, seeing each other again after so many years.feelseeyear | They danced with joy when they heard the news.danceheardelight great happiness and excitement, because something good that has happened: To the audience’s delight, she agreed to play another song.agree | Imagine my delight when I found out that the house was for sale.findbecontentment a quietly happy and satisfied feeling, especially because you are happy with your work, your life etc: He moved to the country and found contentment for the first time in his life.movefind | She settled back in her chair and sighed with contentment.settlesigheuphoria /juːˈfɔːria $ jʊ-/ an extremely strong feeling of happiness and excitement that continues for a short time: The whole country experienced a period of euphoria after the war ended.experienceend | the euphoria that parents feel after the birth of a childparentelation /ɪˈleɪʃən/ formal a strong feeling of happiness and excitement, especially because you have achieved something: After she had made her first landing, she experienced a great sense of elation.havemakelandexperience | The troops’ sense of elation at the victory was not to last.troopbe
noun [uncountable]Word family LET/ALLOWwhen someone is officially allowed to do somethingpermission fromYou'll have to get permission from your parents if you want to come.parentpermission forThe Council refused permission for the development.refuse → planning permissionGrammarPermission is an uncountable noun. It is not used with 'a', and is not usually used with 'the' unless it is followed by 'of': Permission was granted to televise the ceremony.begrantInterviews can be taped only with the permission of the interviewee.interviewtapeCOLLOCATIONSverbshave permission to do something They did not have permission to build on the land.doask (for) permission (also request permission formal) Tommy asked for permission to go to the bathroom.ask | Captain Miller requested permission to land.requestapply for permission (=ask for official written permission) The company has applied for permission to drill for oil.haveapplyget permission (also obtain/receive permission formal) We'll need to get permission to film in the museum. | You must obtain permission from the owners before viewing the property.ownerviewgive permission (also grant somebody permission formal) The city authorities gave permission for the rally to take place.authoritygive | In 1961, he was granted permission to emigrate to Israel.begrantrefuse/deny (somebody) permission Betty's father refused her permission to attend the dance.refuseseek permission formal (=ask someone for permission) People wanting to visit the island have to seek permission from the authorities.wantauthorityneed permission You'll need written permission from your parents first.writeparentadjectiveswritten permission Doctors need written permission from the patient before they can operate.doctorwritespecial permission The paintings cannot be taken out of Russia without special permission.paintingtakeofficial permission Mr Murphy was granted official permission to travel to North Korea.begrantplanning permission (=official permission to build a new building or change an existing one ) The bank has applied for planning permission to redevelop a 1¼-acre site.haveapplyplanexpress permission (=definitely or clearly given) He is not to leave without my express permission.bephraseswithout permission Pages should not be copied without the permission of the publisher.pageshallcopywith somebody's permission With your permission, I'd like to talk to your son alone.by kind permission of somebody formal (=used for thanking someone for allowing something) This photograph is reproduced by kind permission of Country Living.bereproducelive
verb [intransitive]
Word familyVerb form1behaviour/feelingsREACT to behave in a particular way or show a particular emotion because of something that has happened or been said → respondreact toHow did Wilson react to your idea?doHe reacted angrily to the suggestion that he had lied.reacthavelieShe reacted very badly (=was very upset) when her parents split up.reactparentYou have to react quickly to circumstances.circumstancereact by doing somethingThe government reacted by declaring all strikes illegal.reactdeclarestrike → overreact2chemicals technical if a chemical substance reacts, it changes when it is mixed with another chemical substancereact withThe calcium reacts with sulphur in the atmosphere.react3prices if prices or financial markets react to something that happens, they increase or decrease in value because of itreact toOil prices reacted sharply (=reacted a lot) to news of the crisis in the Middle East.pricereactThe market reacted favourably to the announcement.react4become ill to become ill when a chemical or drug goes into your body, or when you eat a particular kind of food → respondreact toQuite a lot of children react badly to antibiotics.childantibioticCOLLOCATIONSadverbsreact badly (=become annoyed, upset etc) Do you react badly to criticism?react angrily/violently The Prime Minister reacted angrily to these accusations.reactaccusationreact strongly Scott reacted strongly when he felt he was being treated unjustly.reactfeelbebetreatreact quickly/swiftly The goalkeeper had to react quickly.havereact differently People react differently to stress.react positively/negatively (=with positive/negative emotions or opinions) We want versatile people who react positively to change.react cautiously (=carefully, so that you avoid danger or risk) The United States has reacted cautiously to the offer.unitestatehavereactreact instinctively (=without thinking or needing to think) She reacted instinctively and reached for her gun.reactreachreact against something phrasal verb REACTto show that you dislike someone else’s ideas or ways of doing something, by deliberately doing the opposite: He reacted strongly against his religious upbringing.react
verb
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: cnocian Verb form1door [intransitive]HIT to hit a door or window with your closed hand to attract the attention of the people inside:
I knocked and knocked but nobody answered.knockknockanswerknock at/onWe knocked at the door but there was no one there.knockbeWilson went up and knocked on the door.goknock2hit and move something [transitive always + adverb/preposition]HIT/BUMP INTO to hit something with a short quick action so that it moves or fallsknock something out of/from somethingAs I got up, I knocked a pencil out of its holder.getknockHe knocked the knife from my hand.knockknock something overAt that moment, Sally knocked over her glass of wine.knockknock something asideShe tried to knock the gun aside but she was not fast enough.trybe3hit somebody hard [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to hit someone very hard: He knocked her to the ground and kicked her.knockgrindkickknock somebody unconscious/cold/senseless (=hit someone so hard that they fall unconscious)Simon could knock a man unconscious with one punch to the jaw.canGarry answered the door only to be knocked flying as two policemen came rushing in.answerknockflypolicemancomerush4hit part of your body [transitive] to hit something with part of your bodyknock something against somethingMorse knocked his shin against a suitcase that had been left just inside the door.knockhavebeleaveknock something on somethingShe knocked her head on a stone.knock5knock on doors to go to every house or apartment in an area asking the people who live there for information or support: Gathering that information means knocking on doors and asking people questions.gathermeanknockdooraskquestion6be knocking on the door to be wanting to join a group or team – used in news reports: Five countries have permanent seats on the UN Security Council, but Germany and Japan, among others, are knocking on the door.countryseatbeknock7remove wall [transitive] to remove a wall or part of a building in order to make a bigger room or spaceknock something into somethingWe could make a bigger living space by knocking two rooms into one.canbigliveknockroomknock something throughThe wall between the kitchen and the dining room has been partially knocked through.dinehavebeknock8knock a hole in/through something to make a hole in something, especially a wall: We could knock a hole through the wall into the cupboard.can9criticize [transitive]CRITICIZE to criticize someone or their work, especially in an unfair or annoying way: The British press always knock British winners at any sport.winner‘Designer fashion is silly.’ ‘Don’t knock it; it’s an important industry.’be10ball [transitive always + adverb/preposition]KICKHIT to kick or hit a ball somewhere: The aim is to knock the ball into the opposing goal.beoppose11knock somebody for six British English informal to shock or upset someone very much or make them physically weak: This flu has really knocked me for six.haveknock12knock the stuffing out of somebody informalCONFIDENT to make someone lose their confidence: Suzanne was very upset when her mother left home. It knocked the stuffing out of her.beleaveknockstuff13knock somebody sideways British English to upset someone so much that it is difficult for them to deal with something: His daughter’s death knocked Tom sideways.knock14knock some sense into somebody/into sb’s head informalSENSIBLE to make someone learn to behave in a more sensible way: The struggle to build up her own business had knocked some sense into her.haveknock15knock (sb’s) heads together informalANGRY to tell people who are arguing that they must stop and behave more sensibly: None of them can agree and it needs someone to knock heads together.needhead16knock something on the head British English informalPREVENT to stop something happening: We wanted to go for a picnic, but the rain’s knocked that on the head.wantknock17knock sb’s socks off (also knock somebody dead) spokenSURPRISEDHAPPY to surprise and please someone by being very impressive: With that dress, you’ll knock him dead.18knock somebody off their pedestal/perch to stop admiring someone that you previously thought was perfect: The press were determined to knock the princess off the pedestal that they had put her on.bedeterminehave19knock spots off somebody/something British English spokenBETTER to be much better than someone or something: The new computer system knocks spots off the old one.knockspot20knock on wood American English used to say that you hope your good luck so far will not change SYN touch wood British English21knock it off spokenSTOP DOING STH used to tell someone to stop doing something, because it is annoying you22make a noise [intransitive]SOUND if an engine or pipes etc are knocking, they make a noise like something hard being hit, usually because something is wrong with them23heart [intransitive] if your heart is knocking, it is beating hard, especially because you are afraid SYN pound24HITI’ll knock your head/block off spoken used when threatening to hit someone very hard: If you say that again, I’ll knock your head off!25knock the bottom out of something informalCHEAPREDUCE to make something such as a market or industry fail suddenly: A sudden drop in supplies of certain chemicals could knock the bottom out of the engineering industry.supplychemicalcanengineer → knock/beat somebody/something into a cocked hat at cocked hat(1), → knock somebody into shape at shape1(3), → knees knocking (together) at knee1(4)knock around (also knock aboutknock about British English) phrasal verb informal1HIThit somebody knock somebody around to hit someone several times: My father used to knock me around.use2SPEND TIMErelax knock around (something) to spend time somewhere, without doing anything very serious or important SYN hang around: On Saturdays I knock around with my friends.friendWe spent the day just knocking around the house.spendknock3TRAVELtravel knock around something to travel to different places SYN kick around: For a couple of years we knocked around the Mediterranean.yearknock4DISCUSSideas knock something ↔ around to discuss and think about an idea, plan etc with other people: We’ve been knocking around a few ideas.beknockidea5PLAY A GAME OR SPORTball knock something around British English to play a game with a ball, but not in a serious way SYN kick about6HEREbe somewhere British English if something or someone is knocking around, it is somewhere but you are not sure exactly where: Is there a screwdriver knocking about anywhere?beknockknock somebody/something back phrasal verb informal1knock something ↔ backDRUNK to quickly drink large quantities of a drink, especially an alcoholic drink: Brenda knocked the brandy back quickly.knock2knock somebody back somethingCOST to cost you a lot of money: His new car knocked him back several thousand dollars.knockdollar3knock somebody back British EnglishSURPRISEDSHOCK to make someone feel upset, shocked, or physically weakknock somebody/something down phrasal verb1hit/push somebody knock somebody ↔ down to hit or push someone so that they fall to the ground: Something hit him from behind and knocked him down.knock → knockout1(1)2defeat knock somebody/something ↔ outBEAT/DEFEAT to defeat a person or team in a competition so that they can no longer take part: The German team were knocked out in the first round.beknockknock somebody/something out of somethingHe first hit the headlines when he knocked Becker out of the French Open Tournament.headlineknock → knockout1(3)3destroy knock something ↔ out to damage something so that it does not work: The air raids were planned to knock out communications on the ground.raidbeplancommunicationgrind4admire knock somebody out informalADMIRE if something knocks you out, it is very impressive and surprises you because it is so good: She loved the movie. It knocked her out.loveknock → knockout1(2)5produce knock something ↔ out informalMAKE to produce something easily and quickly: Paul has been knocking out new songs for the album.havebeknocksong6knock yourself out informalWORK HARD to work very hard in order to do something wellknock somebody/something ↔ over phrasal verb1HIT/BUMP INTOto hit someone with a vehicle while you are driving, so that they are hurt or killed: A woman was knocked over by a bus last year.beknock2American English informalSTEAL to rob a place such as a shop or bank and threaten or attack the people who work thereknock something ↔ together phrasal verb informal MAKEto make something quickly, using whatever you have available: We should be able to knock something together with what’s in the fridge (=make a meal from items of food in the fridge).shallknock somebody/something ↔ up phrasal verb informal1MAKEto make something quickly and without using much effort: Michael knocked up a shed in the back garden.knock2British EnglishWAKE UP/GET UP to wake someone up by knocking on their door: What time do you want me to knock you up in the morning?3informal not politeSEX/HAVE SEX WITH to make a woman pregnant
knocknounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesknockknocksknockknock2 noun1 [countable]SOUND the sound of something hard hitting a hard surface: a loud knock at the doora knock in the engine2[countable]HIT the action of something hard hitting your body: He got a knock on the head when he fell.getfall3take a knock informalUNLUCKYPROBLEM to have some bad luck or trouble: Clive’s taken quite a few hard knocks lately.takeknock
noun
Word familyDate: 1500-1600Language: French
Origin: Latin tensio, from tendere; → TEND 1nervous feeling [uncountable]NERVOUSWORRIED a nervous worried feeling that makes it impossible for you to relax → tense:
The tension was becoming unbearable, and I wanted to scream.bebecomewantreduce/relieve/ease etc tensionExercise is the ideal way to relieve tension after a hard day.be2no trust [countable usually plural, uncountable]TRUST the feeling that exists when people or countries do not trust each other and may suddenly attack each other or start arguingpolitical/racial/social etc tensionIn those days, there was a great deal of racial tension on campus.daybetension betweenThe obvious tension between Warren and Anne made everyone else uncomfortable.make3different influences [uncountable and countable]DIFFERENT if there is tension between two things, there is a difference between the needs or influences of each, and that causes problemstension betweenIn business, there’s always a tension between the needs of customers and shareholders.needcustomershareholder4tightness [uncountable]TIGHT tightness or stiffness in a wire, rope, muscle etc: Tension in the neck muscles can cause headaches.muscleheadacheMuscle tension can be a sign of stress.5force [uncountable] the amount of force that stretches something: This wire will take 50 pounds tension.poundtension onThere was a lot of tension on the wire before it snapped.besnapCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1adjectivesunbearable The tension was almost unbearable by the time we reached the decisive last round.bereachnervous tension The night before the wedding my mother was in a state of nervous tension.behigh tension There was a moment of high tension as the firemen entered the burning building.befiremanenterburnbuilddramatic tension (=the tension you feel when you are not sure quite what will happen in a story) This uncertainty adds to the film’s dramatic tension.addverbsreduce/ease/relieve tension Breathing deeply helps to clear my mind and reduce tension.breathehelpsense the tension She could sense the tension in the room.canphrasesa state of tension Marjorie lived in a constant state of tension waiting for his phone calls.livewaitcallan atmosphere of tension Voting took place in an atmosphere of tension.votetakeCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2adjectivesracial tension Racial tension boiled over and riots quickly spread.boilriotsocial tension The economic crisis was accompanied by mounting social tension.beaccompanymountpolitical tension The heightened political tension could easily spill over into violence.heightencantension is/remains high After the election, political tension remains high.remainincreasing/growing/mounting/rising tension There are reports of increasing tension in some areas.bereportincreaseareaheightened tension (=greater than before) a time of heightened tension between the two countriesheightencountryverbsdefuse tension (=make a situation more friendly) He searched for ways of defusing racial tension.searchwaydefuseraise/increase the tension The arrests only served to raise the tension.arrestservephrasesa source of tension This agreement should remove a major source of tension among America’s allies.shallally
verb [transitive]
Date: 1300-1400Language: French
Origin: exécuter, from Latin exsecutus, past participle of exsequi ‘to execute’, from sequi ‘to follow’ Verb form1kill somebodyKILL to kill someone, especially legally as a punishmentexecute somebody for something
Thousands have been executed for political crimes.beexecutecrime13 people were summarily executed (=killed without any trial or legal process) by the guerrillas.beexecuteguerrilla2do something formalDO to do something that has been carefully planned SYN implement: The job involves drawing up and executing a plan of nursing care.involvedrawexecutenurse3perform an action formalDO to perform a difficult action or movementbeautifully/skilfully/poorly etc executedThe skaters’ routine was perfectly executed.skaterbeexecute4computer technical if a computer executes a program or command (=instruction), it makes the program or command happen or work5legal document law to make sure that the instructions in a legal document are followed6produce something formal to produce a painting, book, film etc: a boldly executed storyexecuteTHESAURUSkill to make someone die: The driver and his passenger were killed in the crash.bekill | He was killed by rival gang members.bekillmembermurder to deliberately kill someone – used when talking about this as a crime: He was convicted of murdering his wife.beconvictmurdercommit manslaughter to kill someone without intending to – used when talking about this as a crime: The court ruled that the guard had committed manslaughter.rulehavecommitassassinate to deliberately kill an important person, especially a politician: He was part of a plot to assassinate Hitler.beslay to kill someone or something in a violent way – used in newspaper reports and also in old stories: Two teenagers were slain in the shootings.teenagerbeslayshooting | St. George slew the dragon.slay | The king was slain at the battle of Hastings.beslayexecute formal (also put somebody to death) to kill someone as a punishment for a crime: McVeigh, who killed 168 people in a bombing attack, was executed by lethal injection.killbombbeexecuteeliminate to kill someone in order to prevent them from causing trouble: a ruthless dictator who eliminated all his rivalseliminaterivaltake somebody out informal to kill someone in order to get rid of them, especially an enemy or someone who is causing trouble for you: US forces used air strikes to take out the enemy positions.forceusestrikeposition | One of the other drug dealers may have decided to take him out.dealerdecidebump somebody off humorous informal to kill someone: He was so irritating I felt like bumping him off myself.beirritatefeelbumpdo away with somebody informal to kill someone: The settlers in Jamestown had been done away with, but no one knew how.settlerhavebedoknow
adjective (comparative thinner, superlative thinnest)
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: thynne 1not thickTHIN OBJECT OR MATERIAL if something is thin, there is only a small distance between its two opposite sides or surfaces OPP thick:
a thin gold chainShe’s only wearing a thin summer jacket (=a jacket made of light material).weartwo thin slices of breadsliceThe road was covered with a thin layer of ice.becoverThe skin on the eyelids is the thinnest on the body.eyelidbethinpaper/wafer thin (=very thin)Keep your voice down – the walls are paper thin.wallbe2not fatTHIN PERSON having little fat on your body OPP fat: He was tall and thin, with short brown hair.bethin arms/legs/lips etcHe has long thin hands.havehandMost high school girls say they want to be thinner.girlthin3hairFEW/NOT MANY if someone has thin hair, they do not have a lot of hair: a thin straggly beardHis hair is quite thin on top.be4liquidLIQUID a liquid that is thin flows very easily because it has a lot of water in it OPP thick: thin paint5smoke/mistSEE smoke or mist that is thin is easy to see through OPP thick: The fog is quite thin in places.beplace6air air that is thin is more difficult to breathe than usual because it has less oxygen in it: the thinner air high in the mountainsthinmountain7excuse/argument/evidence etcBELIEVE a thin excuse, argument, or evidence is not good or detailed enough to be useful or effective: Evidence that capital punishment deters crime is pretty thin.deterbe8a thin margin/majority etc a very small number or amount of something: Engle beat Blanchard by a razor-thin margin (=a very small number of votes) in the race for governor.9smile a thin smile does not seem very happy or sincere: Charlie gave her a thin smile.give10voice/soundHIGH SOUND OR VOICE a thin voice or sound is high and unpleasant to listen to: His thin voice trailed off.trail11the thin end of the wedge British English spokenHARM/BE BAD FOR an expression meaning something that you think is the beginning of a harmful development: Workers believe the job cuts are just the thin end of the wedge.workercutbe12be thin on the groundRARE if a particular type of person or thing is thin on the ground, there are very few available: Taxis seem to be thin on the ground.taxigrind13be having a thin time (of it) British English spokenPOOR to be in a difficult situation, especially one in which you do not have enough money14be (walking/treading/skating) on thin icePROBLEM to be in a situation in which you are likely to upset someone or cause trouble: I was on thin ice, and I knew it.beknow15disappear/vanish into thin airDISAPPEAR to disappear completely in a mysterious way: Victor and his kidnappers had vanished into thin air.havevanish16out of thin air out of nowhere, as if by magic: It seems like researchers have just pulled the numbers out of thin air.seemresearcherpullnumber → wear thin—thinnessthinnessesthinness noun [uncountable]THESAURUSpersonthin having little fat on your body: a tall, thin manslim thin in an attractive way: her slim figure | a slim woman in her fiftiesfifty | Magazines are always full of advice about how to stay slim.magazinebeslender written thin in an attractive and graceful way – used especially about parts of the body, and used especially about women: her long, slender legsleg | She is slender, with very fair hair.belean thin and looking healthy and fit: his lean body | He was lean and looked like a runner.belookskinny very thin in a way that is not attractive: a skinny teenager | Your arms are so skinny!armbeslight written thin and delicate: a small, slight girl with big eyeseyescrawny /ˈskrɔːni $ ˈskrɒː-/ very thin, small, and weak-looking: a scrawny kid in blue jeansunderweight below the usual weight for someone of your height, and therefore too thin: He had no appetite and remained underweight.haveremaingaunt /ɡɔːnt $ ɡɒːnt/ written very thin and pale, especially because of illness or continued worry: He looked gaunt and had not shaved for days.lookhaveshavedayemaciated /ɪˈmeɪʃieɪtəd, ɪˈmeɪʃieɪtɪd, -si-/ written extremely thin and weak, because you are ill or not getting enough to eat: The tents were filled with emaciated refugees.tentbefillrefugeeskeletal written used about someone who is so thin that you can see the shape of their bones: The soldiers were shocked by the skeletal figures of the camp’s prisoners.soldierbeshockfigureprisoneranorexic used about someone who is extremely thin because they have a mental illness that makes them stop eating: Her daughter is anorexic.be | anorexic teenagersteenagerobject/materialthin not wide: a thin slice of cake | a thin layer of ice | The gold was very thin.beslim thin, especially in a way that looks attractive: a slim volume of poetry | a slim mobile phone | a slim wooden boxslender written tall or long and thin, in a way that looks attractive, but is often not very strong: the slender columns that supported the roofcolumnsupport | The spider was hanging by a slender thread.behangpaper-thin/wafer-thin extremely thin, like paper: The walls of the apartment were paper-thin.wallbe | wafer-thin slices of pastryslice | The petals are paper-thin.petalbe
thinadverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesthinthinthin2 adverb THIN PERSONthinly. Many teachers think this is not correct English: Don’t cut the bread so thin.
thinverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesthinthinsthinnedthinningthinthin3 verb (past tense and past participle thinned, present participle thinning)Word familyVerb form1CROWD[intransitive and transitive] (also thin out) to become fewer in number, especially when there were many before, or to remove people, plants, or things so that fewer remain: The crowd had thinned out and only a few people were left.havethinbeleaveThe trees thinned as we got closer to the top of the mountain.treethingetcloseTraffic was finally thinning.bethinThin the carrots to two inches apart.carrotinchHer hair had been thinned and cut shorter.havebethinshort2[intransitive and transitive] to make something thinner or to become thinner OPP thicken: The clouds had begun to thin.cloudhavebeginA narrow smile thinned his lips.thinlip3LIQUID[transitive] (also thin down) to make a liquid weaker by adding water or another liquid: Thin the sauce by adding milk.addthin something with somethingThe pastels can be thinned with water.pastelthin4[intransitive] if someone’s hair is thinning, they have less hair than they used to: a tall man with thinning hairthin5thin the ranksLESS if something thins the ranks of a group of people, there are fewer of them as a result of it: Illness had thinned our ranks.havethinrank
nounWord family1[singular, uncountable]PREPARE the process of preparing something or preparing for something: This dish is good for dinner parties because much of the preparation can be done ahead of time.bepartydopreparation forBusiness training is a good preparation for any career.trainbepreparation ofthe preparation of the budgetdo something in preparation for something (=in order to prepare for something)He is practising every day, in preparation for the ice-skating championship.bepractiseskatePlans for the new school are now in preparation.planbea course in food service and food preparation2preparations [plural]PREPARE arrangements for something that is going to happenpreparations forPreparations for the upcoming Olympic Games are nearing completion.preparationgamebenearPreparations are being made for the President’s visit.preparationbebemakeThe festival was a great success, and preparations are underway (=have started) for another one next summer.bepreparationbe3[countable] formal a mixture that has been prepared and that is used for a particular purpose, especially as a medicine or to make your skin more attractive: a new preparation for cleansing the skincleanseCOLLOCATIONSadjectivescareful preparation Moving to a new house requires careful preparation.moverequirethorough preparation (=very careful and detailed) Thorough preparation is the best way to do well in an exam.bewellmeticulous preparation (=extremely careful not to miss any details) The robbery took place after months of meticulous preparation.takemonthgood/ideal preparation (=very useful) The game was good preparation for our match at Torquay next week.beadequate/proper preparation You cannot go on a dangerous trip like this without adequate preparation.verbsdo some/no preparation He had obviously done no preparation for the meeting.havedomeetneed/require preparation Important competitions need proper preparation.competitionbe in preparation formal (=used to say that something is being prepared) Reports are in preparation.reportbe
noun
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: sawol 1sb’s spirit [countable] the part of a person that is not physical, and that contains their character, thoughts, and feelings. Many people believe that a person’s soul continues to exist after they have died. → spirit:
the immortality of the soulIt was as if those grey eyes could see into the very depths of her soul.beeyecandepthin sb’s soulthe restlessness deep in his soulthe souls of the deadsoul2person [countable]PERSON/PEOPLE used in particular phrases to mean a personhappy/sensitive/brave/simple etc soulHe is really quite a sensitive soul.benot a (living) soul (=no one)I promise I won’t tell a soul.winnot a soul in sight/not a soul to be seenThe night was dark and still, and there was not a soul in sight.bebepoor (old) soul (=used to show pity for someone)The poor old soul had fallen and broken her hip.havefallbreak3music (also soul music) [uncountable] a type of popular music that often expresses deep emotions, usually performed by black singers and musicians: He listens to a lot of soul.listena soul band4sense of beauty [uncountable] a)EMOTIONALthe ability to be emotionally affected by art, music, literature etc: My brother thinks that anyone who doesn’t like poetry has no soul.thinkhave b)EMOTIONALthe quality that affects people emotionally, that a painting, piece of music etc can have: Her performance was technically perfect, but it lacked soul.belack5special quality [uncountable]CHARACTER OF STH the special quality or part that gives something its true charactersoul ofBasho’s poems capture the true soul of old Japan.poem6be the soul of discretionTELL A SECRET to always be extremely careful to keep secrets: Leon is the very soul of discretion.be7be good for the soulGOOD/MORAL if something is good for the soul, it is good for you and you should do it, even though it may seem unpleasant – often used humorously: They say that hardship is good for the soul.be8God rest his/her soulDEAD used when you mention the name of someone who is dead: My father, God rest his soul, died here at Vernison Hall.die9people in a place souls [plural] literary the number of souls in a place is the number of people who live there: a village of two or three hundred soulssoul10bless my soul/upon my soul old-fashioned spokenSURPRISED used to express surprise → bare your soul at bare2(2), → be the life and soul of the party at life(16), → keep body and soul together at body(13), → heart and soul at heart(2), → sell your soul (to the devil) at sell1(9)
noun [countable] someone who uses violence such as bombing, shooting etc to obtain political demands: We refuse to talk to terrorists.terroristterrorist attack/activity/offenceTwenty people were killed in the latest terrorist attack.bekilllateterrorist group/organizationA terrorist bomb that left 168 people dead.leave → guerrillaCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesan international terrorist The kidnap was carried out by a group of international terrorists.becarryterrorista suspected terrorist Coalition forces killed at least 20 suspected terrorists.forcekilllittlesuspectterroristan armed terrorist They were gunned down by armed terrorists outside their hotel.begunarmterroristterrorist + NOUNa terrorist group/organization No terrorist group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.haveclaima terrorist attack/bombing/act More than 50 people were injured in the terrorist attack.beinjureterrorist activity The Foreign Office has issued a warning to tourists about terrorist activity in the country.haveissuewarntouristterrorist violence Al-Qaeda began waging a campaign of terrorist violence against the West.beginwagethe terrorist threat He admitted the increased terrorist threat was causing the security forces great concern.admitincreasebecauseforcea terrorist cell (=a small secret group of terrorists) Detectives believe that one individual, rather than a terrorist cell, is responsible for the bombing.detectivebebomb
noun (plural presidencies) [countable] JOB/WORKthe position of being the president of a country or organization, or the period of time during which someone is president: Roosevelt was elected four times to the presidency of the US.beelecttimeThere were few real improvements during his presidency.beimprovement
adjectiveWord family1having suitable knowledge, experience, or skills, especially for a particular jobwell/suitably/highly qualifiedDawn is well qualified for her new role.bequalifyqualified to do somethingThe guides are qualified to lead groups into the mountains.guidebequalifygroupmountainIf you don’t speak German, you’re not qualified to comment.qualify2having passed a professional examinationqualified doctor/teacher/accountant etcThere are qualified instructors on hand to advise you.bequalifyinstructorhighly/fully qualifieda fully qualified nursequalifya professionally qualified social workerqualifyAre you medically qualified?bequalifyqualified to do somethingHe’s qualified to teach biology at high school level.qualify3LITTLE/NOT VERY[usually before noun] limited in some way → partialqualified approval/supportThe proposal received qualified approval.receivequalifyThe program was considered a qualified success.beconsiderqualifyIs it worth the money? The answer is a qualified yes.bebequalifyCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1adverbswell qualified As a former footballer, he is well qualified to talk about the game.bequalifyhighly qualified All the other applicants seemed highly qualified.applicantseemqualifysuitably qualified If we can find a suitably qualified person, we'll start straight away.qualifyeminently qualified He is eminently qualified for the role.bequalifyideally qualified His former wife is ideally qualified to comment on his character.bequalifyCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2adverbshighly qualified The pilots who fly these planes are highly qualified.pilotplanebequalifysuitably/properly qualified Make sure that the therapist is properly qualified.bequalifyfully qualified He was a fully qualified engineer.bequalifyprofessionally qualified All our staff are professionally qualified.bequalifymedically/legally qualified Decisions about such measures must rest with medically qualified personnel.decisionmeasurequalifynewly qualified How much is a newly qualified nurse paid?bequalifypaynounsa qualified doctor/teacher/accountant etc After seven years of training, she is now a qualified doctor.yeartrainbequalify
noun
Sense 1, 3, 5, 6:Language: Old English
Origin: tæppaSense 2, 4, 7:
Date: 1300-1400
Origin: → TAP2
1water/gas [countable] especially British English a piece of equipment for controlling the flow of water, gas etc from a pipe or container SYN faucet American English: Tap water (=water that comes out of a tap) is usually heavily treated with chemicals.betreatchemicalShe went into the bathroom and turned on the taps.goturntapkitchen/bath/garden tapI washed my hands under the kitchen tap.washhandcold/hot tap (=the tap that cold or hot water comes from)2a light hit [countable]HIT an act of hitting something lightly, especially to get someone’s attentiontap at/onShe felt a tap on her shoulder.feelThere was a tap at the door.be3on tap a)beer that is on tap comes from a barrel b)informalAVAILABLE something that is on tap is ready to use when you need it: We’ve got all the information on tap.get4dancing [uncountable] (also tap dancing) dancing in which you wear special shoes with pieces of metal on the bottom which make a loud sharp sound on the floor5telephone [countable]LISTEN an act of secretly listening to someone’s telephone, using electronic equipment: The police had put a tap on his phone line.have6barrel [countable] a specially shaped object used for letting liquid out of a barrel, especially beer7tune taps [plural] a song or tune played on the bugle at night in an army camp, and at military funeralsCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1verbsturn on a tap Run some cold water into the bath before turning on the hot tap.turnturn off a tap I forgot to turn the tap off.forgetrun a tap (=make water flow out of it) She stood at the sink, running the tap to get a glass of cold water.standruna tap is running (=water is flowing out of it) I think you must have left the tap running.leaveruna tap is dripping (=drops of water are coming out of it) If the tap is dripping, change the washer.bedripADJECTIVES/NOUN + tap the cold/hot tap She scrubbed her hands under the cold tap.scrubhandthe kitchen/bath/garden tap The water coming out of the kitchen tap had an odd smell.comehavea mixer tap British English (=one through which cold and hot water can run together) He fitted a mixer tap to the bath.fita running tap Wash the cut under a running tap.runa dripping tap I could hear a dripping tap.candripa leaking/leaky tap (=with drops of water coming from the end ) The leaky tap had left a stain in the washbasin.haveleavetap + NOUNtap water (=water that comes out of a tap) In the test, people preferred tap water to bottled mineral waters.preferbottlewaterCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2adjectivesa gentle/light/soft tap There was a gentle tap on the door.bea sharp tap A few sharp taps with a hammer will force the nail through the surface.tapverbsgive something/somebody a tap She gave the dog a gentle tap with her umbrella.give
tapverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplestaptapstappedtappingtaptap2 verb (past tense and past participle tapped, present participle tapping)
Sense 1-2, 8-10:Date: 1100-1200
Language: Old French
Origin: taper ‘to hit with the flat part of the hand’Sense 3-7:
Language: Old English
Origin: tæppian Verb form1hit lightly [intransitive and transitive]HIT to hit your fingers lightly on something, for example to get someone’s attentiontap somebody on the shoulder/arm/chest etc
He turned as someone tapped him on the shoulder.turntaptap onI went up and tapped on the window.gotaptap something on/against/from etc somethingMark tapped his fingers on the tabletop impatiently.tapfingerShe tapped ash from her cigarette.tap2music [transitive] to make a regular pattern of sounds with your fingers or feet, especially when you are listening to music: She tapped her feet in time to the music.tapfoota toe-tapping tunetap3energy/money [transitive] (also tap into)USE STH to use or take what is needed from something such as an energy supply or an amount of money: People are tapping into the power supply illegally.betapWe hope that additional sources of funding can be tapped.sourcefundtap4ideas [transitive] (also tap into)USE STH to make as much use as possible of the ideas, experience, knowledge etc that a group of people has: Your adviser’s experience is there to be tapped.betaphelping people tap into training opportunitieshelptrainopportunity5telephone [transitive]LISTEN to listen secretly to someone’s telephone by using a special piece of electronic equipment: Murray’s phone calls to Australia were tapped.callbetap6tree [transitive] to get liquid from the trunk of a tree by making a hole in it7player [transitive] (also tap up) British English informal if a football club taps a player from another team, it illegally tries to persuade that player to join its teamtap something ↔ in (also tap something into somethingtap something into something) phrasal verb British English to put information, numbers etc into a computer, telephone etc by pressing buttons or keys: Tap in your password before you log on.tap something ↔ out phrasal verb1to hit something lightly, especially with your fingers or foot, in order to make a pattern of sounds: He whistled the tune and tapped out the rhythm.whistletap2to write something with a computer: Brian tapped out a name on his small electronic organizer.tap
adjectiveDate: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: past participle of absolvere; → ABSOLVE 1COMPLETELYcomplete or total:
I have absolute confidence in her.We don’t know with absolute certainty that the project will succeed.2[only before noun] especially British English informal used to emphasize your opinion about something or someone: Some of the stuff on TV is absolute rubbish.beHow did you do that? You’re an absolute genius.doThat meal last night cost an absolute fortune.3CERTAINLY/DEFINITELYdefinite and not likely to change: We need absolute proof that he took the money.take4LIMITnot restricted or limited: an absolute monarchParents used to have absolute power over their children.parentusechild5true, correct, and not changing in any situation: You have an absolute right to refuse medical treatment.6in absolute termsCOMPARE measured by itself, not in comparison with other things: In absolute terms wages have risen, but not in comparison with the cost of living.termwageriselive
absolutenounCollocations from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesabsoluteabsolutesabsoluteabsolute2 noun [countable] something that is considered to be true or right in all situations: She believed in the importance of moral absolutes.believeabsolute
verb (past tense and past participle dragged, present participle dragging)
Date: 1300-1400Language: Old Norse
Origin: draga or Old English dragan; → DRAW1 Verb form1PULL ALONG THE GROUNDpull something [transitive]PULL to pull something along the ground, often because it is too heavy to carrydrag something away/along/through etc
Inge managed to drag the table into the kitchen.manage2NOT GENTLYpull somebody [transitive always + adverb/preposition]PULL to pull someone somewhere where they do not want to go, in a way that is not gentle: He grabbed her arm and dragged her into the room.grabdrag3drag yourself to/into/out of etc something informalMOVE/CHANGE POSITION to move somewhere with difficulty, especially because you are ill, tired, or unhappy: I dragged myself out of bed and into the bathroom.dragCan you drag yourself away from (=stop watching) the TV for a minute?4persuade somebody to comePERSUADE SB TO COME [transitive always + adverb/preposition] informalFORCE SB TO DO STH if you drag someone somewhere, you persuade or force them to come with you when they do not want to: Mom dragged us to a classical music concert.drag5computer [transitive] to move words, pictures etc on a computer screen by pulling them along with the mouse: You can drag and drop text like this.6be boringTIME [intransitive]LONG TIME if time or an event drags, it seems to go very slowly because nothing interesting is happening: Friday afternoons always drag.afternoon7touch the groundTOUCH THE GROUND [intransitive]TOUCH if something is dragging along the ground, part of it is touching the ground as you movedrag along/in/onYour coat’s dragging in the mud.drag8drag your feet/heels informalWILLING to take too much time to do something because you do not want to do it: The authorities are dragging their feet over banning cigarette advertising.authoritybedragfootbanadvertise9drag a lake/river etcLOOK FOR to look for something in a lake, river etc by pulling a heavy net along the bottom: The police are dragging the lake for the missing girl’s body.bedragmiss10drag sb’s name through the mudRUMOUR/RUMOR to tell people about the bad things that someone has done, so that they will have a bad opinion of them11drag somebody through the courts to force someone to go to a court of law, especially in order to make them have a bad experience because you are angry with them12drag somebody kicking and screaming into something to force someone to do something that they do not want to – used humorously: The party will have to be dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century.dragkickscream13look as if you’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards to look very untidy – used humorously14injured leg/foot [transitive] if you drag your leg, foot etc, you cannot lift it off the ground as you walk because it is injured: a bird dragging its broken wingdragbreakdrag somebody/something ↔ down phrasal verb1SAD/UNHAPPYto make someone feel unhappy and weak: Joe’s been ill for weeks now – it’s really dragging him down.beweekdrag2to make the price, level, or quality of something go down: Declining prices for aluminium have dragged down the company’s earnings.declinepricedrag3if someone or something bad drags you down, they make you become worse or get into a worse situation: Don’t let them drag you down to their level.drag somebody/something into something (also drag somebody/something ↔ indrag somebody/something ↔ in) phrasal verb1to make someone get involved in an argument, war, or other unpleasant situation that they do not want to be involved in: I’m sorry to drag you into this mess.2TALK TO SBto talk about something when you are having a discussion or argument, even though it is not connected with it: Don’t drag my past into this!drag on phrasal verb PASS/TIME PASSINGif an event or situation drags on, it continues for too longdrag on foran expensive court battle that could drag on for yearscanyeardrag something ↔ out phrasal verb LONG TIMEto make an event or situation last longer than is necessary: Neither of them wanted to drag the divorce out longer than they had to.wantlonghavedrag something out of somebody phrasal verb FORCE SB TO DO STHto make someone tell you something when they had not intended to tell you or were not supposed to tell you: Police finally dragged a confession out of him.dragdrag somebody/something ↔ up phrasal verb1TELL A SECRETto mention an unpleasant or embarrassing story from the past, even though it upsets someone: Why do you have to drag that up again?2be dragged up British English if a child is dragged up, their parents do not teach them to behave properly – used humorously: Those children have been dragged up, not brought up!childbedragbringTHESAURUSpull to make something or someone move in the direction that your hands are moving: He pulled her towards him and kissed her.pullkiss | Sam was pulling on his socks.bepullsocktug to pull something suddenly with a short quick movement, often to get someone’s attention: ‘Look,’ he said, tugging at his brother’s sleeve.saytug | I tugged at the drawer but it wouldn’t open.tugdrag to pull something along the ground, especially because it is heavy: If we can’t lift the piano, we’ll have to drag it.haul to pull something big and heavy using a lot of effort, especially upwards and using a rope: They hauled their boats further up the beach.haulboatfar | fishermen hauling in their netsfishermanhaulnetheave to pull or lift something very heavy, especially with one movement: He heaved the sack of sand onto his shoulder.heavedraw formal to pull something or someone gently in a particular direction: Lisa reached for his hand but he drew it away.reachdrawpull to be attached to a vehicle or piece of machinery and make it move behind you in the direction you are going: Ten dogs were pulling a sledge over the ice.dogbepull | a tractor pulling a ploughpulltow to pull a vehicle behind – used about a vehicle, a boat, or a horse pulling something using a rope or chain: The car in front of us was towing a caravan.betow | Horses were used to tow the boats along the canals.horsebeuseboatcanaldraw to pull a vehicle such as a carriage – used especially about horses doing this: a carriage drawn by four horsesdrawhorse | a horse-drawn cartdraw
dragnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesdragdragsdragdrag2 noun1SB/STH IS BORINGa drag informal a)BORINGsomething or someone that is boring: Don’t be such a drag! Come to the party. b)something that is annoying and continues for a long time: It’s a real drag having to travel so far to work every day.have2be a drag on somebody/somethingPROBLEM to make it hard for someone to make progress towards what they want: Any slowdown in the economy is going to be a drag on the President’s re-election campaign.bego3ON CIGARETTE[countable] the act of breathing in smoke from your cigarette: Frank took a drag on his cigarette.take4CLOTHESin drag wearing clothes worn by the opposite sex, especially to entertain people: The whole performance is done in drag.bedo5FORCE[uncountable] the force of air that pushes against an aircraft or a vehicle that is moving forward: The car’s rounded edges reduce drag.roundedge6the main drag American English informal the biggest or longest street that goes through a town: Our hotel is right on the main drag.be
nounLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: mete ‘food’
1 [uncountable and countable] the flesh of animals and birds eaten as food: I gave up eating meat a few months ago.giveeatmonthraw meata meat piea selection of cold meatsmeatred meat (=a dark-coloured meat, for example beef)white meat (=meat that is pale in colour, for example chicken)2[uncountable]IMPORTANT something interesting or important in a talk, book, film etc: There’s no meat to their arguments.argumentWe then got down to the real meat of the debate (=the main and most interesting part of it).get3somebody doesn’t have much meat on him/her British Englishneed some (more) meat on your bones American English informalTHIN PERSON used to say that someone looks very thin4one man’s meat is another man’s poisonLIKE SB OR STH used to say that something that one person likes may not be liked by someone else5be easy meat British English informalTRICK/DECEIVE if someone is easy meat, they are easy to defeat, deceive, or hurtbe easy meat forSan Marino should be easy meat for England in next week’s match.shall6the meat and potatoes American English informalIMPORTANT the most important or basic parts of a discussion, decision, piece of work etc: Let’s get down to the meat and potatoes. How much are you going to pay me for this?potatobego7be meat and drink to somebody British EnglishENJOY/LIKE DOING STH to be something that someone enjoys doing or finds very easy to do because they have done it many times before: The first five questions in the quiz were about football, which was meat and drink to Brian.questionbebeCOLLOCATIONSverbseat meat I don't eat meat - I'm vegetarian. | People are eating less meat these days.beeatlittledayhave meat in it (=contain meat) Does this stew have meat in it?doadjectivesraw (=not cooked) The dogs are fed on raw meat.dogbefeedcooked How will I know when the meat is cooked?becookundercooked (=not cooked enough) Eating undercooked meat can make you very ill.eattough (=difficult to chew) The meat was tough and chewy.belean (=with little fat) Try to eat more lean meat, fish and chicken.fatty (=with a lot of fat) People are being urged to eat less fatty meat.bebeurgelittlered meat (=a dark-coloured meat such as beef) For health reasons, you should eat less red meat.reasonshalllittlewhite meat (=a light-coloured meat such as chicken) White meat is supposed to be healthier.besupposehealthyphrasesa joint of meat British English (=a large piece of meat, sometimes containing a bone) He began to carve the joint of meat.begina cut of meat (=a joint of meat taken from a particular part of an animal) Cheaper cuts of meat can be tough.cheapcuta slice of meat (=a thin piece of meat cut from a larger piece) He helped himself to another slice of meat.help
verbDate: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: resistere, from sistere ‘to stop’ Verb form1[intransitive, transitive usually in negatives]NOT DO STH to stop yourself from having something that you like very much or doing something that you want to docannot resist (doing) something
I just can’t resist chocolate.She can never resist buying new shoes.buyshoeit is hard/difficult/impossible to resist somethingIt’s hard to resist an invitation like that.resist the temptation/urge to do somethingShe resisted the temptation to laugh.resistThey only wanted 3 dollars for it, so how could I resist?wantdollarcan2[transitive]FIGHT FOR OR AGAINST STH to try to prevent a change from happening, or prevent yourself from being forced to do something: He resisted pressure to resign.resistresist doing somethingFor months the company has resisted changing its accounts system.monthhaveresistchangeaccountstrongly/fiercely/vigorously etc resistThe proposal was strongly resisted by the police.beresist3[intransitive and transitive]FIGHT FOR OR AGAINST STH to use force to stop something from happeningstrongly/fiercely/firmly etc resistDemonstrators violently resisted attempts to remove them from the building.demonstratorresistattemptbuildHe was charged with trying to resist arrest.bechargetry4[transitive]PREVENT to not be changed or harmed by something: your ability to resist infectionCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1nounsresist the temptation to do something He resisted the temptation to look back.resistresist the urge/impulse to do something Bob resisted the urge to touch her hand.resistresist the lure of something (=resist its attractive quality) Bond could never resist the lure of a beautiful woman.canresist a challenge Mr Taylor is a man who cannot resist a challenge.bephrasescannot resist (doing) something I couldn't resist teasing him.teasebe unable to resist (doing) something He was unable to resist the temptation to smoke.behard/difficult to resist The temptation to follow them was hard to resist.beimpossible to resist The urge to give him a hug was almost impossible to resist.beCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2nounsresist pressure The Chancellor resisted pressure to increase taxes.resisttaxresist an attempt to do something The rest of the board resisted his attempts to change the way things were done.resistattemptthingbedoresist change People resist change because they fear the unknown.adverbsstrongly/vigorously/strenuously Barcelona strongly resisted moves by rival clubs to sign their star players.resistmoveclubplayerfiercely The proposed change has been fiercely resisted by car companies.proposehaveberesistcompanystubbornly They stubbornly resisted all attempts to modernize the factory.resistattemptsuccessfully He successfully resisted a challenge to his leadership.resistTHESAURUSoppose to think that a plan or idea is wrong, and to try to prevent it from happening or succeeding: Hundreds of people wrote to oppose the scheme.hundredwrite | The other parties opposed the bill.partyopposebe against something/be opposed to something to think that something is wrong and should not be allowed: I used to be against the death penalty.use | Most people are opposed to the privatization of the city’s public transportation system.beopposenot agree with something to think that something is wrong: I don’t agree with training animals for entertainment.trainanimalobject to say or feel that something is wrong: No one objected to the proposals.objectproposal | She strongly objects to being told what to do.objectbetellresist to try to prevent a change from happening, or prevent yourself from being forced to do something: People often resist change, when they have been used to doing things in a certain way for a long time.beusedothing | She resisted all attempts to teach her how to cook.resistattemptanti- opposed to something – used in adjectives: antiwar protestersprotester | an anti-slavery movement
noun [countable]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: talu 1STORYa story about exciting imaginary eventstale of
tales of adventuretalea book of old Japanese folk tales (=traditional stories)talea fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersena cautionary tale (=one that is told to warn people about the dangers of something)2STORYa description of interesting or exciting things that happened to someone, often one which is not completely true about every detailtale of/abouttales of her life in post-war Berlintaletale of/about howHe was in the middle of telling me a long tale about how he once met the Redskins’ manager.betellmeetredskin3tell tales British EnglishLIE to tell someone in authority about something wrong that someone else has done SYN tattle American Englishtell tales toDon’t go telling tales to the teacher!telltale4tale of woeSAD/UNHAPPY a)a description of events that made you unhappy b)a series of bad things that happened to someone: The England team’s tale of woe continued, and they lost the next three games.continuelosegame → fairy tale, → old wives’ tale at old(24)COLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2ADJECTIVES/NOUN + tale a fairy tale It looked like a castle in a fairy tale.looka folk tale (=a traditional story) a book of Scottish folk talestalea cautionary tale (=one that is told to warn someone about the dangers of something) This cautionary tale illustrates the dangers of looking for quick profits.illustratedangerlookprofita tall tale (=one that is difficult to believe and unlikely to be true) She enjoyed making up tall tales to tell the children.enjoymaketalechildverbstell a tale He liked telling tales of his adventures in the wilderness.liketelltaleadventureTHESAURUSstory a description of how something happened that is intended to entertain people, and may be true or imaginary: a ghost story | a love story | It’s a story about a man who loses his memory.lose | a book of short storiesstorytale a story about strange imaginary events, or exciting events that happened in the past: a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen | I loved hearing tales of his travels.loveheartaletravelmyth noun [uncountable and countable] a very old imaginary story about gods and magical creatures: an ancient myth | Greek and Roman mythsmythlegend noun [uncountable and countable] an old story about brave people or magical events that are probably not true: popular legends of the creation of the worldlegend | According to legend, King Arthur was buried there.accordbeburyfable a traditional imaginary short story that teaches a moral lesson, especially a story about animals: the fable of the tortoise and the hare | a Chinese fableepic a story told in a long book, film, or poem which is about great or exciting events, especially in history: an epic about 13th-century Scottish hero William Wallacesaga a story about a series of events that take place over a long period of time, especially events involving one family: a family saga beginning in the 1880sbeginyarn informal a long exciting story that is not completely true: The movie’s a rattling good yarn and full of action.rattle
verb [intransitive]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: sican Verb form1BREATHEto breathe in and out making a long sound, especially because you are bored, disappointed, tired etc:
‘Well, there’s nothing we can do about it now,’ she sighed.sighsigh heavily/deeplyFrankie stared out of the window and sighed deeply.staresighsigh withHe sighed with despair at the thought of all the opportunities he had missed.sighthinkopportunityhavemiss2SOUND literary if the wind sighs, it makes a long sound like someone sighing: The wind sighed in the trees.sightree3sigh for somethingSAD/UNHAPPY to be sad because you are thinking about a pleasant time in the past: Emilia sighed for her lost youth.sighloseTHESAURUSbreathe [intransitive and transitive] to take air into your lungs and send it out again: Mary knew he was asleep because he was breathing deeply.knowbebebreathe | He breathed the clear spring air.breathesigh to breathe out slowly and make a noise that shows you are disappointed, tired, relieved etc: She just sighed and shook her head.sighshake | ‘Never mind,’ he sighed. ‘I’m sure there’ll be other opportunities.’sighopportunitypant to breathe quickly and noisily through your mouth, because you have been using a lot of effort: They were panting by the time they got to the finish line.bepantgetgasp to breathe very quickly and deeply and with difficulty: Her eyes were wide, and she was gasping for breath.eyebebegasp | ‘Do you think you can walk?’ ‘I’ll try to,’ he gasped.gaspsnore to breathe noisily while you are sleeping: I couldn’t sleep because my husband was snoring.besnorewheeze to breathe with difficulty, making a noise in your throat and chest, because you are ill: His asthma was making him wheeze.bemakebe out of breath to be unable to breathe easily, especially because you have been running or doing other exercise: I was out of breath by the time we reached the top of the hill.bereachbe short of breath to be unable to breathe easily, especially because you are unhealthy: Because she was so overweight, she was often short of breath.bebe
sighnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplessighsighssighsigh2 noun [countable] BREATHEan act or sound of sighingsigh ofShe let out a sigh of impatience.give/let out/heave a sighLaura shrugged, and gave a heavy sigh.shruggiveWe all breathed a sigh of relief when we heard they were safe.breathehearbeCOLLOCATIONSverbsgive/let out a sigh She let out a sigh of disappointment.heave a sigh (=to sigh loudly and deeply) Uncle Walter heaved a sigh and slumped back in his chair.heaveslumpbreathe a sigh of relief When he had left, Miranda breathed a sigh of relief.haveleavebreatheadjectivesa deep sigh Jimmy gave a deep sigh and shrugged.giveshruga long sigh With a long sigh, she tried to shake off her sombre mood.trya huge/great/big sigh She heaved a great sigh.heavea heavy sigh (=a big sad sigh) Finally, she turned away from the mirror with a heavy sigh.turna little/small sigh Quinn let out a little sigh and closed the book.closea weary sigh With a weary sigh, she rubbed a hand over her eyes.rubeyean audible sigh (=a sigh that can be heard) Tonight she breathed an audible sigh of relief as the show ended.breatheenda collective sigh (=a sigh that many people give at the same time) She heard a collective sigh of relief as she announced her acceptance.hearannouncephrasesa sigh of relief/exasperation/satisfaction etc At last the girl stopped eating and sat back with a sigh of satisfaction.stopeatsit
nounWord family1[countable]AMOUNT a level on a scale that shows how good, important, popular etc someone or something is: By the end of the year the Prime Minister’s approval rating (=how many people agreed with his policies) had fallen as low as 12 percent.ratehavefall → credit rating2the ratings a list that shows which films, television programmes etc are the most popular: CBS will end the series if it continues to drop in the ratings.continuerating3[singular] a letter that shows whether or not a film is suitable for children: ‘The Godfather’ had an X-rating when it was first shown.haveratebeshow4[countable] British English a sailor in the navy who is not an officerCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + rating high His previous highest approval rating was 58 percent.highratebelow The rating he gave the restaurant was embarrassingly low.rategivebean approval/popularity rating His popularity rating remains high.rateremaina performance rating They received different pay increases even though their performance ratings were the same.receiveincreaseratingbea credit rating (=how likely someone is to pay their debts) We can’t give you the loan because you have a bad credit rating.ratea star rating (=a number of star symbols that shows a level of quality etc) Each restaurant is given a star rating.begiverateverbsgive somebody/something a rating I'd only give this PC a rating of two out of five.ratereceive/get/achieve/score a rating The Department of Computer Science received a top rating last year.receiveratea rating rises/climbs The president's approval ratings have risen considerably.ratingrisea rating falls His rating fell to only 28%.ratefall
adverb1[sentence adverb]MUST used to show that you think something must be true, especially when people seem to be disagreeing with you: You must have heard about the riots, surely?hearriotThere must surely be some explanation.Surely we can’t just stand back and let this happen?2surely not spokenBELIEVE# used to show you cannot believe that something is true: ‘The chairman’s just handed in his resignation.’ ‘Surely not.’hand3formalCERTAINLY/DEFINITELY certainly: Such sinners will surely be punished.sinnerpunish4American English old-fashionedYES used to say ‘yes’ to someone or to express agreement with them → slowly but surely at slowly(2)
verbVerb form1[intransitive and transitive] to find new people to work in a company, join an organization, do a job etc: We’re having difficulty recruiting enough qualified staff.haverecruitqualifyMany government officials were recruited from private industry.officialberecruit2[intransitive and transitive] to get people to join the army, navy etc → conscript: Most of the men in the village were recruited that day.manberecruit3[transitive]PERSUADE to persuade someone to do something for yourecruit somebody to do somethingI recruited three of my friends to help me move.recruitfriend—recruiterrecruitersrecruiter noun [countable]—recruitmentrecruitmentsrecruitment noun [uncountable]
recruitnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2 3Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesrecruitrecruitsrecruitrecruit2 noun [countable]Date: 1600-1700Language: French
Origin: recrute ‘new growth, new soldiers’, from Old French recroistre ‘to grow up again’ 1someone who has just joined the army, navy, or air force → conscriptnew/raw/fresh recruit (=one who is completely untrained)
Drill sergeants have eight weeks to turn fresh recruits into soldiers.sergeantweekrecruitsoldier2someone who has recently joined an organization, team, group of people etc: New recruits are sent to the Atlanta office for training.recruitbesendtrain
verb (past tense and past participle leapt /lept/ especially British English, leaped especially American English)
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: hleapan Verb form1jump a)[intransitive always + adverb/preposition]JUMP to jump high into the air or to jump in order to land in a different place:
She leapt over the fence.leapThe smaller animals can easily leap from tree to tree.smallanimal b)[transitive] literaryJUMP to jump over something: Brenda leaped the gate and ran across the field.leaprun2move fast [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]FAST/QUICK to move very quickly and with a lot of energy: I leapt up the stairs three at a time.leapstairHe leapt out of bed.leapShe leapt to her feet (=stood up quickly) and started shouting.leapfootstartshout3increase [intransitive]INCREASE IN NUMBER OR AMOUNT to increase quickly and by a large amount OPP tumbleleap toProfits leapt to £376m.profitleapHe leapt 27 places to second spot.leapplace4leap at the chance/opportunityENTHUSIASTIC to accept an opportunity very eagerly: I leapt at the chance of studying abroad.leapstudy5leap to sb’s defence British English, leap to sb’s defense American English to quickly defend someone: When her younger brother was being bullied she leapt to his defence.youngbebebullyleap6heart [intransitive] literaryHAPPYEXCITED if your heart leaps, you feel a sudden surprise, happiness, or excitement: My heart leaped when I saw Paul at the airport.leapsee → look before you leap at look1(12)THESAURUSjump verb [intransitive and transitive] to push yourself up into the air, over something etc, using your legs: The cat jumped up onto the table.jump | He jumped over the stream.jump | His horse jumped the fence successfully.jumpskip verb [intransitive] to move forwards with little jumps between your steps, especially because you are feeling happy: The little girl was skipping down the street.beskiphop verb [intransitive] to jump or move around on one leg: He was hopping around because he’d injured his foot.behopinjureleap verb [intransitive and transitive] especially written to suddenly jump up high or a long way: The deer leapt over the fence.leap | Tina leapt onto the boat as it was moving away.leapbemove | Fish were leaping out of the water.beleapbounce verb [intransitive] to jump up and down several times, especially on something that has springs in it: Children love bouncing on beds.childbouncebeddive verb [intransitive] to jump into water with your head and arms first: Zoë dived into the swimming pool.diveswimvault /vɔːlt $ vɒːlt/ verb [intransitive and transitive] especially written to jump over something in one movement, using your hands or a pole to help you: He vaulted the ticket barrier and ran for the exit.vaultrun | Ben tried to vault over the bar.tryleap out at somebody phrasal verb if a word or phrase in a piece of writing leaps out at you, you notice it particularly, because it is interesting, important etc SYN jump out at
leapnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesleapleapsleapleap2 noun [countable]1JUMPa big jump SYN bound: He threw a stick into the river and the dog went after it in a flying leap.throwgofly2a large increase or changequantum/great/huge etc leapa quantum leap (=very great increase or change) in population levelslevelleap ina 16% leap in pre-tax profitsprofitleap forwardthe huge leap forward that took place in the 1980stake3by/in leaps and boundsLOT/LARGE NUMBER OR AMOUNT if something increases, develops, grows etc by leaps and bounds, it does it very quickly: Lifeboat technology has advanced by leaps and bounds.haveadvanceleapbound4UNDERSTANDa leap of (the) imagination (also an imaginative leap) a mental process that is needed to understand something difficult or see the connection between two very different ideas5leap in the darkRISK something you do without knowing what will happen as a result6leap of faith something you do even though it involves a risk, hoping that it will have a good result
noun [countable]
Language: Old English
1small river a natural flow of water that moves across the land and is narrower than a river → downstream, upstream2continuous seriesSERIES a long and almost continuous series of events, people, objects etcstream ofa stream of traffica stream of abusesteady/constant/endless etc streamA steady stream of visitors came to the house.visitorcome3air/water a flow of water, air, smoke etc, or the direction in which it is flowing: A stream of cold air rushed through the open door.rush → Gulf Stream, jet stream4come on stream especially British EnglishSTART DOING STH to start working or producing something: The new factory will come on stream at the end of the year.5school British English a level of ability within a group of students of the same age: Kim’s in the top stream. → bloodstream, mainstream1, stream of consciousnessTHESAURUSa small riverstream a small narrow river: a cool mountain streambrook literary a small stream: There was a small brook, rushing and sparkling along between green banks.berushsparklebankcreek a narrow area of sea that goes into the land, or a small river: The River Fal with its many creeks was a perfect place for smugglers.creekbesmuggler | The kids hunted for crabs in the muddy creek.kidhuntcrab
streamverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplesstreamstreamsstreamedstreamingstreamstream2 verb
Verb form1pour [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]LIQUID to flow quickly and in great amounts SYN pourstream out/from/onto etcWater came streaming out of the burst pipe.comestreamTears streamed down her cheeks.tearstreamcheek2flow [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]GO to move in a continuous flow in the same directionstream out/across/past etcPeople streamed past us on all sides.streamside3give out liquid [intransitive and transitive]LIQUID to produce a continuous flow of liquidstream withWhen I got up, my face was streaming with blood.getbestreamstreaming cold British English (=an illness in which a lot of liquid comes out of your nose)4light [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] if light streams somewhere, it shines through an opening into a place or onto a surface SYN floodstream in/through/from etcThe first rays of morning sunlight streamed through the open doorway.raystream5move freely [intransitive always + adverb/preposition, usually in progressive]MOVE/CHANGE POSITION to move freely in a current of wind or waterstream in/out/behind etcElise ran, her hair streaming out behind her.runstream6computer [transitive] if you stream sound or video, you play it on your computer while it is being downloaded from the Internet, rather than saving it as a file and then playing it7school [transitive] British English to put school children in groups according to their ability SYN track American English—streamingstreamingsstreaming noun [uncountable]
noun [countable]Date: 1500-1600Language: French
Origin: Latin satelles ‘personal servant or guard’
1 a machine that has been sent into space and goes around the Earth, moon etc, used for radio, television, and other electronic communication: the launch of a communications and weather satellitecommunicationvia/by satellite (=using a satellite)This broadcast comes live via satellite from New York.come2a natural object that moves around a planet: The moon is a satellite of the Earth.be3a country, area, or organization that is controlled by or is dependent on another larger one: the former Soviet satellite country of Lithuania4a town that has developed next to a large city: We stayed in Aurora, a satellite suburb of Chicago.stay
adjective DIFFICULTa testing situation, experience etc is difficult to deal with: It’s been a testing time.betest
verb (past tense and past participle fried, present participle frying, third person singular fries)Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: frire, from Latin frigere Verb form1[intransitive and transitive] to cook something in hot fat or oil, or to be cooked in hot fat or oil:
Fry the potatoes, covered, for about 20 minutes.potatocoverminuteI could smell onions frying.canonionfry → deep fry, stir-fry12[intransitive and transitive] American English informalDIE to kill someone in an electric chair, or to be killed in an electric chair, as a punishmentTHESAURUSways of cooking somethingbake to cook things such as bread or cakes in an oven: Tom baked a cake for my birthday.bakeroast to cook meat or vegetables in an oven: Roast the potatoes for an hour.potatofry to cook food in hot oil: She was frying some mushrooms.befrymushroomstir-fry to fry small pieces of food while moving them around continuously: stir-fried tofu and bean sproutsfrysproutsauté /ˈsəʊteɪ $ soʊˈteɪ/ to fry vegetables for a short time in a small amount of butter or oil: Sauté the potatoes in butter.potatogrill to cook food over or under strong heat: grilled fishgrillbroil American English to cook food under heat: broiled fishbroilboil to cook something in very hot water: He doesn’t even know how to boil an egg. | English people seem to love boiled vegetables.boilvegetablesteam to cook vegetables over hot water: Steam the rice for 15 minutes.minutepoach to cook food, especially fish or eggs, slowly in hot water: poached salmonpoachtoast to cook the outside surfaces of bread: toasted muffinstoastmuffinbarbecue to cook food on a metal frame over a fire outdoors: I thought we could barbecue some mackerel.thinkcanmicrowave to cook food in a microwave oven: The beans can be microwaved.beanmicrowave
frynounCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesfryfriesfryfry2 (also french fryfrench friesfrench fry) noun (plural fries) [countable usually plural] especially American English a long thin piece of potato that has been cooked in fat SYN chip British English
frynounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesfryfriesfryfry3 noun [plural] very young fish → small fry
verbVerb form1 [intransitive]SCREAM to make a loud high noise with your voice because you are hurt, frightened, excited etc SYN shriek: After the first few shots, people started screaming.shotstartscreama screaming babyscreamscream with/inShe jumped to her feet, screaming in terror.jumpfootscreamThe children were screaming with laughter.childbescreamShe was screaming her head off (=screaming a lot).bescreamShe began to scream blue murder (=scream very loudly).beginHe was dragged kicking and screaming to a nearby van.bedragkickscream2[intransitive and transitive] (also scream out)SCREAM to shout something in a very loud high voice because you are angry or frightened SYN yell: ‘Get out!’ she screamed.screamHe screamed out her name.screamscream forI screamed for help.screamscream atHe screamed at her to go away.screamThe crowd continued to scream abuse at him.continue3[intransitive] to make a very loud high noise: The police car approached, its siren screaming.approachscreamCOLLOCATIONSadverbsscream loudly I just screamed as loudly as I could.screamcanscream wildly (=in a loud and uncontrolled way) Poor George, screaming wildly, was carried upstairs by his father.screambecarryscream hysterically (=in a completely uncontrolled way) Some of the girls started screaming hysterically.girlstartscreamphrasesscream with laughter/delight She threw her head back and screamed with laughter.throwscreamscream in/with pain We could hear her screaming in pain.canscreamscream in terror/agony etc He screamed in fear and panic, and banged frantically on the door.screambangscream your head off (=scream a lot) At least the idiot wasn’t panicking and screaming his head off.littlepanicscreamscream blue murder informal (=scream very loudly with fear or anger) She flew into a rage and screamed blue murder at him.flyscreamTHESAURUSshout to say something very loudly: The two men were shouting angrily at each other.manbeshout | ‘Wait for me!’ he shouted.shoutyell (also holler American English) to shout very loudly, especially because you are angry, excited, or in pain. Yell is more informal than shout: The children were yelling at each other across the street.childbeyell | ‘Steve, are you there?’ Patti hollered up the stairs.behollerstaircall (out) to shout in order to get someone’s attention: He called her name but she didn’t hear him.call | ‘Is anybody there?’ he called out.becallcry (out) written to shout something loudly, especially because you are in pain, frightened, or very excited: ‘I can’t move,’ Lesley cried.cry | He cried out in panic.cry | ‘Look what I’ve found!’ she cried.findcryscream to shout in a very loud high voice, because you are frightened, unhappy, angry etc: The baby wouldn’t stop screaming.scream | She screamed as she jumped into the cold water.screamjump | ‘It’s my money!’ she screamed at him.screamroar written to shout in a loud deep voice: The crowd roared their appreciation.roar | ‘Stop this nonsense!' he roared.roarbellow written to shout in a loud deep voice, especially when you want a lot of people to hear you: He was bellowing orders at the soldiers.bebellowordersoldierbawl to shout in a loud and unpleasant way, because you are angry or unhappy: ‘What are you doing?’ he bawled.bedobawl | The kids were bawling in the back of the car.kidbebawl | She was always bawling at the children.bebawlchildraise your voice to say something more loudly than normal, especially because you are angry: I never heard my father raise his voice.hearcheer if a group of people cheer, they shout as a way of showing their approval: The crowd cheered when the band came on stage.cheercome
screamnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesscreamscreamsscreamscream2 noun [countable]Date: 1200-1300Origin: Perhaps from Middle Dutch schreem 1SCREAMa loud high sound that you make with your voice because you are hurt, frightened, excited etc SYN shriek:
We heard screams coming from the flat.hearscreamcomeShe saw the knife and let out a scream.seescream of laughter/terror etcHe fell back with a scream of terror and pain.fall2a very loud high sound: the scream of a jet taking offtake3a scream informalFUNNY someone or something that is very funny: The film was a scream!beCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesa loud scream Suddenly I heard a loud scream.heara shrill/piercing/high-pitched scream (=with a very high sound) The sound of gunfire mingled with the shrill screams of the injured.minglescreaminjurea bloodcurdling scream (=very frightening) With a blood-curdling scream, he threw himself at Paul.curdlethrowa terrified scream (=by someone who is terrified) I let out a terrified scream and scuttled down the stairs.terrifyscuttlestaira terrible scream (=by someone suffering great pain or fear) We were woken late that night by the most terrible screams.bewakescreama little scream Mrs Wood gave a little scream.givea muffled/stifled scream (=made quieter, for example by putting a hand over someone’s mouth) No one heard her muffled screams.hearmufflescreamverbslet out a scream He let out a piercing scream.piercegive a scream She gave a scream of delight.givephrasesa scream of laughter/delight We could hear the children’s screams of laughter.canchildscreama scream of pain/terror/agony My screams of terror awoke my parents.screamawakeparent
adjectiveWord familyDate: 1500-1600Language: French
Origin: stupide, from Latin stupidus, from stupere ‘to surprise extremely, stun’ 1STUPID/NOT SENSIBLEshowing a lack of good sense or good judgment SYN silly:
stupid mistakesmistakeThat was a stupid thing to say.beI can’t believe Kate was stupid enough to get involved in this.beinvolvestupid idea/questionWhose stupid idea was this?beIt was stupid of me to lose my temper.beRegisterStupid is very frequent in spoken English, but in written English people usually prefer to use more a formal alternative, such as foolish or unwise, which sounds more polite.2STUPID/NOT INTELLIGENThaving a low level of intelligence, so that you have difficulty learning or understanding things: He understands – he’s not stupid.understandI couldn’t do it, and it made me feel stupid.make3spokenANNOY used when you are talking about something or someone that makes you annoyed or impatient: I can’t get this stupid radio to work.What is that stupid idiot doing?bedo4stupid with cold/sleep/shock etcCONFUSED unable to think clearly because you are extremely cold, tired etc—stupidlystupidly adverb: I stupidly agreed to organize the party.agreeTHESAURUSstupid showing a total lack of good sense or good judgment. Stupid sounds very strong and is often used when you are annoyed or strongly criticizing someone’s behaviour: I wish you’d stop asking stupid questions.askquestion | It was stupid of me to leave the door unlocked.beunlock | Well, if you’re stupid enough to skate on the lake, you deserve to fall in.silly doing or saying things that are not sensible or serious, and that may make you feel embarrassed later. Silly sounds much gentler than stupid: a silly mistake | Don’t be so silly! There’s nothing wrong with you. | I think you’re silly to worry so much about your hair.daft informal not sensible, often in a way that is also amusing: Is this another of your daft ideas?beidea | Don’t be daft! Of course you’re not too old to go clubbing.clubdumb informal especially American English stupid: a dumb question | He was dumb enough to believe her.be | Oh, I just did the dumbest thing back there, I forgot my purse.dodumbforgetfoolish stupid. Foolish sounds rather formal and is used mainly in written English. The usual words to use in everyday English are silly or stupid: It was a foolish thing to say.be | They did not want to look foolish.do | It was all a foolish dream.be | I think the board of directors made a foolish choice that it will later regret.directormakelateunwise formal done without thinking carefully enough about the possible disadvantages that may result: She knew the marriage was unwise.knowbe | an unwise choice of wordsword | It would be very unwise to speculate.willbrave British English often humorous used when you think that what someone is planning or suggesting is certain to fail, but you do not want to say directly that they are behaving in a stupid way: The leader of the opposition described it as ‘a brave decision.’describe | I think he’s being very brave.bevery stupidcrazy not at all sensible or reasonable – used when you are very surprised by someone’s behaviour or what they have said: Ian’s got some crazy plan to drive across Africa.get | She looked at me as if I was crazy!lookbe | You’re crazy to think of hitch-hiking on your own.hikeridiculous extremely stupid: You look ridiculous in that hat. | Some people spend a ridiculous amount of money on cars.car | It’s absolutely ridiculous to suggest that he would do something like that.willabsurd/ludicrous extremely stupid – used especially when an idea or situation seems strange or illogical: How can a return ticket cost less than a single? It’s totally absurd!little | It was a ludicrous idea.be | Some of the objections to the theory are simply absurd.objectionbelaughable so stupid that you cannot believe someone is telling the truth or being serious: The accusations were almost laughable.accusationbe | a laughable suggestion | It would be laughable if it wasn’t so serious.will
stupidnounCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesstupidstupidsstupidstupid2 noun spoken not politeWord family an insulting way of talking to someone who you think is being stupid: No, stupid, don’t do it like that!
adjectiveWord family1[usually before noun]TEACH relating to education, especially at college or university level OPP non-academic: He possessed no academic qualifications.possessqualificationa program to raise academic standardsstandard2[usually before noun]STUDY concerned with studying from books, as opposed to practical work: the study of art as an academic discipline3INTELLIGENTgood at studying OPP unacademic: He’s not very academic.4REAL/NOT IMAGINARYif a discussion about something is academic, it is a waste of time because the speakers cannot change the existing situation: The question of where we go on holiday is purely academic since we don’t have any money.be—academicallyacademically /-kli/ adverbCOLLOCATIONSnounsacademic qualifications He had the right experience and academic qualifications for the job.havequalificationacademic performance Personal problems may affect a student’s academic performance.problemacademic achievements Girls’ academic achievements are at least as good as boys’.girlachievementbelittleboyacademic standards (=levels that are considered to be acceptable) The school has high academic standards.havestandardacademic research (=study of a subject, in order to discover new facts or test new ideas) Many academic research projects take years to complete.projectyearacademic study After academic study, you have to gain practical experience.an academic subject Children who are not good at academic subjects may excel in music or sport.childbesubjectan academic discipline (=a subject that is studied at university) the academic disciplines of linguistics, psychology and sociologydisciplinean academic career She wanted to pursue an academic career.wantthe academic year (=the time within a period of 12 months when students are studying at a school or university) Language students spend the third academic year abroad.studentthe academic world (=the institutions, people etc involved in education) In the academic world, the theory was received less approvingly.bereceivelittleacademic freedom (=the freedom to study what you want) There is concern for the academic freedom of both staff and students.bestudent
academicnounCollocations from other entriesActivator 1Word sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesacademicacademicsacademicacademic2 AC noun [countable]Word family a teacher in a college or university
nounWord family1[uncountable and countable]MENTION part of something you say or write in which you mention a person or thingreference toThere is no direct reference to her own childhood in the novel.beThe article made no reference to previous research on the subject.makeThe governor made only a passing reference to the problem of unemployment (=he mentioned it quickly).makepass2[uncountable]LOOK FOR the act of looking at something for informationfor easy/quick referenceA vocabulary index is included for easy reference.beincludeKeep their price list on file for future reference (=so that it can be looked at in the future).The book will become a standard work of reference (=a book that people look at for information).3reference point (also point/frame of reference) a)an idea, fact, event etc that you already know, which helps you understand or make a judgment about another situation: Lee’s case will be the reference point for lawyers in tomorrow’s trial.lawyerShe used her work experience as a frame of reference for her teaching.useteach b)something that you can see that helps you to know where you are when you are travelling in an area4in/with reference to something formalCONNECTED WITH used to say what you are writing or talking about, especially in business letters: I am writing to you in reference to the job opening in your department.bewriteopen5[countable] a)(also letter of reference) a letter containing information about you that is written by someone who knows you well, and is usually intended for a new employer: We will need references from your former employers.referenceemployer b)a person who provides information about your character and abilities SYN referee: Ask your teacher to act as one of your references.reference6[countable] a book, article etc from which information has been obtained: a comprehensive list of referencesreference7[countable] a number that tells you where you can find the information you want in a book, on a map etc: a list of towns, each with a map referencetown → cross-reference, → terms of reference at term1(10)COLLOCATIONSverbsmake reference to something Official reports made no reference to the incident.reportmakephrasesthere is a reference to something There are 32 references to eagles in the Bible.bereferenceeagleadjectivesa specific/direct/explicit reference (=mentioning something specifically/directly etc) No specific reference was made to the race of the children.bemakechildan oblique reference (=not direct) He added, in an oblique reference to the US, that ‘some countries could do more’.addcountrycana brief reference Brief references to the tragedy have appeared in the French press.referenceappeara passing reference (=one that you make while you are talking about something else) He made only a passing reference to his injury.makepassfrequent/constant/repeated references Medieval literature contains frequent references to insanity.containreferencean occasional reference During the interview, he made only occasional references to his forthcoming autobiography.makereference
referenceverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesreferencereferencesreferencedreferencingreferencereference2 verb [transitive] writtenWord familyVerb form to mention another book, article etc that contains information connected with the subject you are writing about: The book does not reference anything written in the last 10 years.dowriteyear
to bring a fish towards you by turning the reel of a fishing rod
Thesaurus: hunting, shooting and fishinghyponym
Main entry: reel
adjective
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: solide, from Latin solidus 1firm/hardHARD hard or firm, with a fixed shape, and not a liquid or gas:
The lake was frozen solid.befreezeIt was good to be back on solid ground again.begrindIs the baby eating solid food (=bread, meat etc) yet?beeatThe ship’s sonar can detect the presence of solid objects in the water.object2only one materialPURE consisting completely of one type of materialsolid gold/silver etca solid gold cupsolid wood/pine/oak etca chest made of solid oakmake3not hollowTOGETHER having no holes or spaces inside OPP hollow: a solid rubber balla shrine carved out of solid rockcarve4without spaces continuous, without any spaces or breaks: It’s not safe to pass when the lines in the middle of the road are solid.linebe5strongly madeSTRONG OBJECT strong and well made OPP flimsy: a solid piece of furnitureThe frame is as solid as a rock (=extremely solid).be6good and long-lastingGOOD/EXCELLENT a solid achievement or solid work is of real, practical, and continuing value: five years of solid achievementyearThe first two years provide a solid foundation in the basics of computing.yearcompute7dependable someone or something that is solid can be depended on or trusted SYN sound: a solid reputationThe prosecution in this case has no solid evidence.haveYou can rely on Wylie for good solid advice.a solid Labour stronghold (=where people always vote for this party)8continuing without interruption informalCONTINUOUS used to emphasize that something continues for a long time without any pauses: The lecture lasted two solid hours.lasthourfive hours/two weeks etc solidOn Saturday I went to bed and slept fourteen hours solid.gosleephour9packed solid informal if shops, trains, buses etc are packed solid, they are full of people10on solid ground confident because you are dealing with a subject you are sure about, or because you are in a safe situation: To make sure that he was on solid ground, he confirmed his findings with others.begrindconfirmfinding11good British English informal good12difficult British English informal very difficult: I couldn’t do any of the maths last night – it was solid.mathbe13shape technical having length, width, and height SYN three-dimensional: A sphere is a solid figure.be14in agreement be solid British EnglishAGREE to be in complete agreement: The workers are 100% solid on this issue.workerbe—solidlysolidly adverb: solidly builtbuild—solidnesssolidnessessolidness noun [uncountable]
solidnounCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1 2 3Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplessolidsolidssolidsolid2 nounWord family1[countable]THING a firm object or substance that has a fixed shape, not a gas or liquid: the properties of liquids and solidspropertyliquidsolid2solids [plural] foods that are not liquid: He’s still too ill to eat solids.solid3[countable] technical the part of a liquid which has the qualities of a solid when it is separated from the solvent (=watery part)4[countable] technical a shape which has length, width, and height, such as a sphere or cylinder → plane
noun [uncountable and countable]Date: 1600-1700Language: French
Origin: procédure, from Old French proceder; → PROCEED 1WAY/METHODa way of doing something, especially the correct or usual way → processprocedure for
What’s the procedure for applying for a visa?applycorrect/proper/normal etc procedureThis is standard procedure for getting rid of toxic waste.begetlegal/court/parliamentary etc proceduresAll schools have disciplinary procedures they must follow.schoolprocedureOn board, we were given the usual talk on safety procedures (=what to do if an accident happens, or to prevent an accident).begiveprocedure2WAY/METHODa medical treatment or operation: Liposuction is a minor surgical procedure.beCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + procedurethe correct/proper procedure What's the correct procedure for applying for a grant?applynormal/standard procedure It’s standard procedure to take photographs of the scene of the crime.photographa legal procedure Adoption was not made a legal procedure until 1926.bemakea disciplinary procedure Unacceptable behaviour will be dealt with through our usual disciplinary procedures.dealprocedurea complaints procedure The company has a standard complaints procedure.havecomplainta selection procedure An interview is an important part of our selection procedure.bea safety procedure Apparently the accidents were due to inadequate safety procedures.accidentbeprocedureverbsfollow a procedure It’s important that you always follow the correct procedure.go through a procedure We had to go through the whole procedure again.have
noun
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: sceadu 1out of sunlight [uncountable]DARK slight darkness or shelter from the direct light of the sun made by something blocking it:
a plant that needs a lot of shadeneedin the shade (of something)She was sitting in the shade of a large oak tree.besitThe temperature was over 90 degrees in the shade.bedegree2for blocking light [countable] a)something you use to reduce or block light: The shade on the lamp was slightly crooked.becrook → lampshade b)American English a covering that can be pulled down over a window SYN blind3shades [plural] informal sunglasses4in a picture [uncountable] the dark places in a picture: strong contrasts of light and shadecontrast5colour [countable]COLOUR/COLOR a particular type of red, green, blue etcshade ofa bright shade of pink6shade of meaning/opinion/feeling etcDETAIL a meaning etc that is slightly different from other ones SYN nuance: There is room in the Democratic Party for many shades of opinion.beshade7a shade formalLITTLE/NOT VERY very slightlya shade too big/hot/fast etcMatt’s clothes were just a shade too big for me.clothebea shade better/quicker/faster etcThe results were a shade better than we expected.resultbewellexpecta shade over/under/above etcShe was a shade under five feet tall.befoot8shades of somebody/somethingREMIND/MAKE SB REMEMBER used to say that someone or something reminds you of another person or thing: The food was horrible – shades of school dinners.beshadedinner9put somebody/something in the shadeBETTER to be so good or impressive that other similar things or people seem much less important or interesting: They’re planning a festival that will put all the others in the shade.plan10have it made in the shade American English informalRICH to be extremely rich – used humorouslyTHESAURUScolour red, blue, yellow etc: Blue is my favourite colour.be | Matisse was famous for his use of colour.beshade a particular type of a colour: The dress is a light shade of pink.be | He uses different shades of green.useshadehue /hjuː/ literary or technical a particular colour or shade of a colour: Her face had lost its golden hue.havelosetint a small amount of a colour in something that is mostly another colour: He wears sunglasses that have a pinky-orange tint.weartone one of the many different shades of a colour, each slightly darker, lighter, brighter etc than the next: Carpets in neutral tones give a feeling of space.carpettonefeel
shadeverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesshadeshadesshadedshadingshadeshade2 verb [transitive]Verb form1DARKto protect something from direct light: Shading her eyes, Anita scanned the horizon.shadeeyescan2(also shade in) to make part of a picture or drawing darker: She shaded in the circles in the last two letters.shadecirclelettershade into something phrasal verb literary MIXif one thing shades into another, it is difficult to know where one stops and another starts: His impatience shaded into anger.shade
nounWord familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: errour, from Latin error, from errare; → ERR 1MISTAKE[uncountable and countable] a mistakeerror in
There must be an error in our calculations.calculationRegisterError is rather formal and is mainly used when talking about computers or in some fixed expressions such as human error. In everyday English, people usually use mistake:There must be a mistake somewhere.2[countable] a mistake when you are working on a computer, which means that the computer program cannot do what you want it to do: an error message3error of judgementMISTAKE a mistake in the way that you examine a situation and decide what to do: The decision to expand the company was an error of judgement.be4be in errorMISTAKE to have made a mistake, especially when making an official decision: The doctor has admitted that he was in error.haveadmitbe5do something in errorMISTAKE if you do something in error, you do it by mistake: The wrong man was arrested in error.bearrest6see the error of your ways literaryREALIZE to realize that you have been behaving badly and decide to stop → trial and error at trial1(4)COLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2verbsmake an error We made too many errors, and that cost us the game.makeerrorcommit an error formal (=make an error, especially a serious one ) He knew he had committed a grave error of judgement.knowhavecommithave/contain an error If the data contains errors, the results will be wrong.datumcontainerrorresultfind/spot/notice an error His accountant spotted several errors in his tax return.spoterrorrealize your error By the time she realized her error, it was too late.realizebecorrect an error (also rectify an error formal) We will rectify the error as soon as possible.avoid errors He resolved to learn from his mistakes and avoid similar errors in the future.resolvemistakeerrorcompound an error (=make it worse) He refused to listen to our advice, which compounded the error.refusecompoundan error arises/occurs formal (=happens) If an error occurs, you will have two more chances to re-enter your password.occurchanceADJECTIVES/NOUN + errora common error a common error which students often make when writing essaysstudentwriteessaya serious/bad error The police made a serious error, which resulted in a young man’s death.makeresulta small/minor error The letter contained some minor spelling errors.containspellerrora glaring error (=very bad and very noticeable) There is a glaring error on page 10, where his date of death is given as 2053, not 1003.beglarebegivea huge/monumental error (=very serious) It was a monumental error to attack from the north.bea grave error (=extremely serious, with serious results) He has committed a grave error.havecommita fatal error (=extremely serious, so that you are certain to fail) Telling your staff they are not important is a fatal error.tellbebean unfortunate error An unfortunate error resulted in confidential information being released to the press.resultbereleasea grammatical/spelling/typing error You lose marks if your paper contains spelling errors.markcontainspellerrora clerical/administrative error The applications forms were sent to the wrong addresses due to a clerical error.applicationformbesendaddressa factual error (=which includes a fact that is wrong) The article contains many factual errors.containerrora tactical error (=one that may cause a plan to fail) Both parties have made tactical errors in the run-up to the election.partymakeerrora random error (=one that is not like others or part of a pattern) This may seem like a random error, but in fact it is repeated once in every 5,000 samples.berepeatsamplehuman error (=errors made by people) Automatic checks reduce the danger of human error.checkcomputer error An on-board computer error meant that the plane’s systems shut down for a few vital seconds.meansystemsecondpilot/driver error Investigators believe the crash was caused by pilot error.investigatorbecausesb’s past errors formal If we fail to learn from our past errors, we are doomed to repeat them.errorbedoomphrasesa margin of error (=the degree to which a calculation might be wrong) We have to allow for a small margin of error in the calculations.calculationTHESAURUSmistake something incorrect that you accidentally do, say, or write: a spelling mistakespell | I made a mistake – it should say £230, not £320.makeshallerror formal a mistake: an error in the report | grammatical errorserror | He had made a serious error on his tax form.havemakemisprint a small mistake in something that is printed: There was a misprint in the article, and instead of ‘pleasant’ it said ‘pheasant’.besaytypo informal a mistake in something that has been typed or printed: I spotted a couple of typos in the letter.spottypoinaccuracy formal a piece of information that is not completely correct: The report contained several inaccuracies.containinaccuracymix-up a careless mistake in which one name, time, address etc has been confused with another, so that the details of something are wrong: There was a mix-up over the train times and I missed my train.betimemissslip-up a careless mistake when you are doing something: The other team took advantage of the goalie’s slip-up.takeoversight a mistake in which you forget something or do not notice something: Through some oversight, the brochures were not ready by the right date.brochurebea slip of the tongue a mistake in which you accidentally say a similar sounding word: When I said Thursday, I meant Tuesday. It was a slip of the tongue.saymeanbefaux pas /ˌfəʊ ˈpɑː, ˈfəʊ pɑː $ ˌfoʊ ˈpɑː/ formal an embarrassing mistake in a social situation, when you do or say something that you shouldn’t: Harris, trying to be funny, addressed the waiter as ‘boy’. A deathly silence followed this faux pas.tryaddressfollowpa
adjective
Date: 1400-1500Language: Latin
Origin: past participle of removere; → REMOVE 1far awayFAR far from towns or other places where people live SYN isolated:
a remote border towna fire in a remote mountain area2not likelyPROBABLY if a chance or possibility of something happening is remote, it is not very likely to happen SYN slightremote chance/possibilityThere’s a remote chance that you can catch him before he leaves.leaveThe prospect of peace seems remote.seem3timeFAR far away in time SYN distant: the remote time when dinosaurs walked the earthdinosaurwalka remote ancestor (=someone related to you, who lived a long time ago)4differentDIFFERENT very different from somethingremote fromThe Heights was quiet and clean and remote from the busy daily life of the city.heightbe5personUNFRIENDLY unfriendly, and not interested in people SYN distant: His father was a remote, quiet man.be6not have the remotest idea/interest/intention etcNOT KNOW especially British English used to emphasize that you do not know something, are not interested in something, do not intend to do something etc: He hasn’t the remotest interest in sport.remotenot have the remotest idea/interest/intention etc what/where/who etcI haven’t the remotest idea what you mean.remote—remotenessremotenessesremoteness noun [uncountable]THESAURUSfar adverb a long distance – used mainly in negatives and questions, or after ‘too’, ‘so’, and ‘as’: It’s not far to the airport from here. | Have you driven far?drive | The ship was so far away we could hardly see it.becana long way adverb a long distance from somewhere. This is the most common way of talking about long distances, except in negatives and questions when far is also common: You must be tired – you’ve come a long way.tire | It’s a long way down from the top of the cliff. | I can’t see things that are a long way away.thingbemiles adverb informal a very long way: We hiked miles.hikemil | The school is miles away from where I live.bemilin the distance adverb a long way from where you are now – used when talking about things that seem small or sounds that seem quiet because they are a long way away: Dogs were barking somewhere in the distance.dogbebarkdistant adjective especially written used about something that is a long distance from where you are now, and looks small or sounds quiet: By now, the plane was just a distant speck in the sky.be | the rumble of distant thunderfaraway adjective especially written a very long distance from where you are now: a traveller from a faraway land | His voice sounded faraway.sound | He told us stories about the faraway countries he had visited.tellstorycountryhavevisitremote adjective a remote place is a long distance from other places, and few people go there: The helicopter crashed in a remote part of the country.crash | remote holiday destinationsdestinationisolated adjective an isolated place is a long distance from other towns, buildings, or people, and there is very little communication with surrounding places: isolated rural areas of Nepalisolatearea | Occasionally we passed through a small isolated village.passisolate | If you travel to isolated areas, make sure you have a good guide.isolateareaoff the beaten track (also off the beaten path American English) adverb a place that is off the beaten track is a long distance from the places where people usually go, and often seems interesting and different because of this: She likes to go to places that are a bit off the beaten track.likeplacebebitebeat
remotenounCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1 2Corpus examplesremoteremotesremoteremote2 noun [countable] a remote control: Give me the remote.
nounDate: 1200-1300Language: Anglo-French
Origin: ‘piece of ground’, from Latin solium ‘seat’; influenced by Latin solum ‘ground, soil’ 1[uncountable and countable] the top layer of the earth in which plants grow SYN earth:
fertile soil (=good for growing crops)The soil here is very poor (=not good for growing crops).beRoses grow well in a clay soil.rose2on British/French/foreign etc soil formal in Britain, France etc: The crime was committed on American soil.becommit3[uncountable] a place or situation where something can develop: Eastern Europe provided fertile soil for political activists.provideactivist4sb’s native soil literary your own country5the soil literary farming as a job or way of life: They make their living from the soil.liveCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + soilgood/rich/fertile (=good for growing plants) The fertile soil produces delicious wines.producewinepoor (=not good for growing plants) If the soil is poor, add manure or compost.bedeep The soil near the river is rich and deep.bethin (=not deep) The thin soil is easily washed away.bewashmoist/dry Keep the soil moist. | The soil was dry after three weeks without rain.beweeklight/sandy (=containing a lot of sand) Some plants prefer sandy soils.plantsoilheavy/clay (=containing a lot of clay) The soil was too heavy to grow decent carrots.becarrotwell-drained (=letting water pass through easily) Plant the seedlings out in a warm, sunny position in well-drained soil.seedlingdrainacid/alkaline Blueberries need acid soil.blueberrygarden soil Try planting them in compost rather than garden soil.plantverbswork the soil (=prepare the soil to grow plants) They worked the soil with hoes and forks.workhoeforktill the soil (=prepare the soil to grow crops) Their time is spent in constantly tilling the soil.bespendtillTHESAURUSsoil the top layer of the earth that plants grow in: Roses do best in well-drained, slightly acid soil.rosewelldrainearth the brown substance that the ground is made up of: Thousands of tons of earth were moved to build the dam.tonbemovedirt American English loose dry earth: a pile of loose dirt in the wheelbarrowdust a dry powder made up of extremely small bits of earth or sand: A cloud of dust billowed out behind the tractor.billowmud wet soil that has become soft and sticky: The dog came back covered in mud.comecover
soilverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplessoilsoilssoiledsoilingsoilsoil2 verb [transitive]Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: soiller, from soil ‘pigsty’, probably from Latin suile, from sus ‘pig’ Verb form1formalDIRTY to make something dirty, especially with waste from your body2not soil your handsBAD BEHAVIOUR OR ACTIONS to not do something because you consider it too unpleasant or dishonest:
Keep your money – I wouldn’t soil my hands with it.hand—soiledsoiled adjective: soiled diaperssoildiaper
verb
Word familyDate: 1500-1600Language: Latin
Origin: explodere ‘to drive off the stage by clapping’, from plaudere ‘to clap’ Verb form1burst [intransitive and transitive]EXPLODE to burst, or to make something burst, into small pieces, usually with a loud noise and in a way that causes damage → explosion:
The device was thrown at an army patrol but failed to explode.bethrowfailFar sooner than anyone thought possible, the Russians exploded an atomic bomb.soonthinkexplodeRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say that a bomb goes off rather than explodes:A bomb went off in the city centre.go2increase suddenly [intransitive]INCREASE IN NUMBER OR AMOUNT to suddenly increase greatly in number, amount, or degree SYN rocket → explosion: Florida’s population exploded after World War II.explode3strong feelings [intransitive]ANGRY to suddenly express strong feelings such as anger → explosion: Paul exploded. ‘What has it got to do with you?’ he yelled.explodehavegetyellexplode withShe exploded with grief and anger.explodeHe told a joke which made Hank explode with laughter.tellmakeexplode intoHe exploded into a screaming, kicking rage.explodescreamkick4become dangerous [intransitive] if a situation explodes, it is suddenly no longer controlled, and is often violent SYN blow up: Riots may explode at any time.riotexplode intoThe continued tension could explode into more violence.continuecan5explode the mythPROVE to prove that something that is believed by many people is actually wrong or not true: The programme sets out to explode the myth that some delicate tropical fish are impossible to keep.setbe6make a loud noise [intransitive]LOUD/NOISY to make a very loud noise → explosion: A clap of thunder exploded overhead.explodeTHESAURUSto explodeexplode verb [intransitive] if a bomb explodes, it bursts suddenly and violently with a loud noise: A bomb exploded in a crowded metro station this morning, killing five people.explodecrowdkillgo off phrasal verb if a bomb goes off, it explodes. Go off is less formal than explode and is the usual phrase to use in everyday English: Luckily the station was empty when the bomb went off.bego | As many as ten bombs went off across the city, most of them car bombs.bombgobombblow up phrasal verb if a building, car, plane etc blows up, it bursts suddenly and violently into pieces, causing a lot of damage: The plane blew up in mid-air, killing all the passengers and crew.blowkillpassenger | In early 1986, a US space shuttle blew up shortly after launch.blowerupt /ɪˈrʌpt/ verb [intransitive] if a volcano erupts, it explodes and sends smoke and rock into the sky: The volcano has erupted at least fifteen times since 1883.haveeruptlittletimeburst verb [intransitive] if something that has air or liquid inside it bursts, it explodes and the air or liquid comes out: One of the water pipes had burst.pipehave | The plane caught fire after its tyre burst on landing.catchlandto make something explodeexplode verb [transitive] to make a bomb burst suddenly and violently with a loud noise: The terrorists planned to explode a car bomb outside the US embassy.terroristplanset off phrasal verb to make a bomb explode, either deliberately or accidentally. Set off is less formal than explode and is the usual phrase to use in everyday English: The group set off a bomb outside a crowded cafe in Izmir last September.crowd | Police say radio signals were probably used to set the bomb off.signalbeusedetonate /ˈdetəneɪt/ verb [transitive] to make a bomb explode, especially by using special equipment. Detonate is a more technical word than set off: Army experts detonated the bomb safely in a nearby field.expertdetonate | The 200 kg bomb was detonated by terrorists using a remote-control device.bedetonateterroristuselet off phrasal verb British English to deliberately make a bomb explode: Terrorists let off a bomb in the city centre.terrorist | The bomb was let off shortly before 3 pm.beblow up phrasal verb to make a building, car, plane etc explode: He was involved in a plot to blow up a passenger jet.beinvolve | He struck a match and blew the whole place up.strikeblow
noun [countable]
Date: 1600-1700Language: Italian
Origin: profilo, from profilare ‘to draw the edge of something’, from filare ‘to spin’ 1headSHAPE a side view of someone’s head:
Dani has a lovely profile.havein profileI only saw her face in profile.see2descriptionDESCRIBE a short description that gives important details about a person, a group of people, or a place: a job profileprofile ofa short profile of the actor3high profileFAMOUS something that is high profile is noticed by many people or gets a lot of attention: Jack runs a department with a high public profile.runThe star has a high profile in Britain.have4keep a low profileATTENTION to behave quietly and avoid doing things that will make people notice you5raise sb’s profile if a person or an organization raises its profile, it gets more attention from the public: an advertising campaign designed to raise the bank’s profileadvertisedesign6shapeSHAPE an edge or a shape of something seen against a background: the sharp profile of the western foothills against the skyfoothill
profileverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesprofileprofilesprofiledprofilingprofileprofile2 verb [transitive]Verb form to write or give a short description of someone or something: The new Chief Executive was profiled in yesterday’s newspaper.beprofile
adjectiveDate: 1400-1500Language: Old French
Origin: Latin ruralis, from rus ‘open land’ 1COUNTRYSIDEhappening in or relating to the countryside, not the city OPP urban:
a rural settingsetrural bus routesroute2COUNTRYSIDElike the countryside or reminding you of the countryside: It’s very rural round here, isn’t it ?THESAURUScountryside noun [uncountable] an area away from towns and cities, where there are fields, forests etc – used especially when talking about the natural beauty of this kind of area: The walk takes you through some beautiful countryside.take | The countryside changes in winter.changethe country noun [singular] the area away from towns and cities, where there are fields, forests etc: Tired of city life, they moved to the country.tiremove | I've always wanted to live in the country.wantlandscape noun [countable usually singular] a large area of countryside that you see from somewhere: The house looks out over a peaceful rural landscape.look | Adams is famous for his photographs of the American landscape.bephotographscenery noun [uncountable] the natural features of part of a country, such as mountains, forests etc, especially when these are attractive: New Zealand has some spectacular scenery.havewilderness noun [uncountable and countable] a large area of land that has never been developed or farmed: Yukon is a vast wilderness of mountains, lakes, and forests.bemountainlakeforestthe bush noun [singular] wild country that has not been cleared, especially in Australia or Africa: The camp is popular with tourists wishing to experience the African bush.betouristwishrural adjective relating to the country: People are moving away from rural areas.bemovearea | rural communitiescommunity
noun
Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: pas ‘step’, from Latin passus 1speed of events/changes [singular]SPEED the speed at which something happens or is donepace of
The pace of change in our lives is becoming faster and faster.livebebecomefastfastat a steady/slow etc pacePublic spending continues to rise at a steady pace.spendcontinue2walk/run [singular]WALKRUN the speed at which someone walks, runs, or movespace ofYou need to step up the pace of your exercises.exerciseat a slow/leisurely/brisk etc paceLucy set off at a leisurely pace back to the hotel.He quickened his pace, longing to be home.quickenlongTraffic slowed to a walking pace.slowwalk3step [countable]WALK a single step when you are running or walking, or the distance you move in one steppace backwards/towards/forwards etcHe took a pace towards the door.takeRebecca walked a few paces behind her mum.walkpace4keep pace (with something/somebody)SAME to change or increase as fast as something else, or to move as fast as someone else: Salaries have not always kept pace with inflation.salarykeepThe supply of materials cannot keep pace with demand.materialSlow down! I can’t keep pace with you.5go through your paces (also show your paces)DO to show how well you can do something6put somebody/something through their pacesDO to make a person, vehicle, animal etc show how well they can do something: The test driver puts all the cars through their paces.putcarpace7set the pace a)SPEEDif a company sets the pace, it does something before its competitors or to a better standardset the pace inJapanese firms have been setting the pace in electronic engineering.firmbesetengineer b)(also set a brisk/cracking etc pace British English) to go faster than the other competitors in a race, who then try to achieve the same speed: The Italians set the pace for the first eight laps.lap8force the paceSPEED to make something happen or develop more quickly than it would do normallyforce the pace onmeasures designed to force the pace on alternative energy policiesmeasuredesignpolicy9be able to stand the paceBUSY/HAVE A LOT TO DO to be able to deal with situations where you are very busy and have to think and act very quickly: If you can stand the pace, working in advertising pays well.workadvertisepayCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + pacerapid/fast The rapid pace of change creates uncertainty.createslow The pace of life in the countryside is slower.beslowa steady pace The economy was growing at a slow but steady pace.begrowat your own pace (=at the pace that suits you) This allows each child to learn at his or her own pace.allowat a snail’s pace (=very slowly) Reform is proceeding at a snail’s pace.beproceeda breakneck pace (=extremely fast) Singapore prospered and modernized at a breakneck pace.prospermodernizea hectic/frantic pace (=a very fast and hurried speed) We worked at a hectic pace.workverbsthe pace quickens/accelerates The pace of change is quickening.bequickenthe pace slows/slackens After a surge in exports, the pace slackened considerably the following year.exportslackenfollowgather pace (=happen more quickly) Support for the campaign is gathering pace.begatherkeep up the pace (=continue to do something or happen as quickly as before) China's society is transforming but can it keep up the pace?betransformkeep up with the pace (=do something as fast as something else is happening or being done) It's essential that we constantly update our skills and keep up with the pace of change.skillphrasesthe pace of change The pace of change accelerated dramatically in the early 1980s.acceleratethe pace of life Here, the sun shines every day and the pace of life is slower.shinebeslowthe pace of development The pace of development in computer graphics is amazing.graphicbeamazethe pace of reform Some senior party figures favor a slower pace of reform.figureslowCOMMON ERRORS ► Do not say 'in your own pace' or 'on your own pace'. Say at your own pace.
paceverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplespacepacespacedpacingpacepace2 verbVerb form1[intransitive always + adverb/preposition, transitive]WALK to walk first in one direction and then in another many times, especially because you are nervous: I found Mark at the hospital, pacing restlessly up and down.findpacepace the floor/roomSam stood up and paced the floor, deep in thought.standpacethink2pace yourself a)to control the speed that you move at in a race, so that you still have energy left near the end: Nicky paced herself and came through the ranks to win.pacecomerank b)SPEEDto organize your life and activities so that you do not have too much to do: You need to pace yourself and decide which tasks are the most important.taskbe3[transitive] (also pace something ↔ off, pace something ↔ out) to measure a distance by walking across it with steps of equal length: The director paced out the length of the stage.paceTHESAURUSwalk to move forward by putting one foot in front of the other: I missed the bus so I decided to walk.missdecide | We’ve walked about eight miles today.walkmilwander to walk without any clear purpose or direction: They wandered around the narrow streets of the old city.wanderstreetstride to walk with long steps in a determined, confident, or angry way: A man in a suit came striding purposefully into the hall.comestride | She strode onto the stage and began to address the audience.stridebeginpace to walk first in one direction and then in another many times, especially because you are nervous: Nick was pacing up and down, waiting for the phone to ring.bepacewaitmarch to walk quickly with firm regular steps – used especially about soldiers or someone who is angry: The troops marched past with smart uniform and good discipline.troopmarch | Sheila marched into the office and demanded an apology.marchdemandwade to walk through deep water: We had to wade across the river.havestomp to walk putting your feet down very hard, especially because you are angry: She turned and stomped off without looking back.turnstomplook
adjectiveDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: Latin pallidus; → PALLID 1COLOUR/COLORhaving a skin colour that is very white, or whiter than it usually is:
He looked very pale and drawn.lookdrawturn/go paleHe suddenly went pale.goSharon went deathly pale and looked as if she might faint.golookan elderly pale-faced womanface2COLOUR/COLORa pale colour has more white in it than usual OPP deep SYN light: pale blue curtainscurtain3BRIGHTpale light is not bright: the pale gray dawn4pale imitation (of something) something that is similar to, but not as good as, something else: The cheese is a pale imitation of real Parmesan.beTHESAURUSpale a pale colour is very light: He has very pale blue eyes.haveeye | a flower with pale green leavesleavelight a light colour is not dark: His T-shirt was light green.be | a light blue sweaterpastel pastel colours have a lot of white in them: The girls wore pastel pink sundresses.girlwearsundressfaded light in colour because of being washed many times or affected by the sun: The curtains were old and faded.curtainbefade | a pair of faded jeansfade
paleverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplespalepalespaledpalingpalepale2 verb [intransitive]Verb form1COLOUR/COLOR literary if your face pales, it becomes whiter than usual because you have had a shock: Kent’s face paled when he saw that Rob had a knife.paleseehave2pale into insignificanceUNIMPORTANT to seem much less important when compared to something bigger, worse, more serious etc: The amounts of money involved pale into insignificance when compared with the sums spent each year on research.amountinvolvecomparesumspend3pale in/by comparisonSMALL to seem small or unimportant compared to something elsepale in/by comparison to/withToday’s economic problems pale in comparison with those of the 1930s.problem
palenounCollocations from other entriesThesaurus 1Phrases from this entrypalepalespalepale3 nounDate: 1400-1500Origin: pale ‘limit’ (15-18 centuries), from ‘fence’ (14-19 centuries), from ‘pointed piece of wood driven into the ground’ (14-20 centuries), from Old French pal, from Latin palus beyond the paleBAD BEHAVIOUR OR ACTIONS offensive or unacceptable:
His opinions are entirely beyond the pale.opinionbeTHESAURUSlight colourslight used about a colour that is not dark: a light blue sweater | His T-shirt was light green.bepale used about a colour that is very light: He has very pale blue eyes.haveeyesoft used about a colour that is light in a way that is attractive because it is not too obvious: She wears soft colours such as cream, which match her complexion.wearcolourpastel used about a colour that has a lot of white in it: The girls wore pastel pink sundresses.girlwearsundress
verb
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: relaxare ‘to loosen’, from laxus ‘loose’ Verb form1rest [intransitive and transitive]RELAXED to rest or do something that is enjoyable, especially after you have been working:
I just want to sit down and relax.What Robyn needed was a drink to relax her.needbeA hot bath should help to relax you.shall2become calm [intransitive and transitive] to become quiet and calm after you have been upset or nervous, or to make someone do this: Once out of danger, he started to relax.startRelax! Everything’s fine.3muscle [intransitive and transitive]LOOSE if you relax a part of your body or it relaxes, it becomes less stiff or less tight: Gentle exercise can relax stiff shoulder muscles.muscle4rules/lawsSTRICT [transitive] to make a rule or law less strictrelax rules/regulations/controlsHughes believes that immigration controls should not be relaxed.believecontrolshallrelax5relax your hold/grip a)LOOSEto hold something less tightly than beforerelax your hold/grip onHe relaxed his grip on my arm.relax b)STRICTto become less strict in the way you control somethingrelax your hold/grip onThe party has no intention of relaxing its hold on the country.haverelax6relax your concentration/vigilance etcATTENTION to reduce the amount of attention you give to somethingTHESAURUSrelax to rest or do something that is enjoyable after you have been working: In the evenings, I like to relax with some music and a nice meal.evening | In two weeks’ time I’ll be relaxing on a beach in Greece.weekrelaxrest to stop working or stop being active, and sit down or lie down so that you become less tired: If you’re tired, we’ll stop and rest for a while.tire | The doctor told me to take some time off work and try to rest.tellunwind to gradually relax after you have been working hard or feeling anxious: It had been a bad day and he just wanted to get home and unwind.havebewant | Set in spectacular countryside, the Shiga Hotel is the perfect place to unwind.betake it/things easy to relax and not do very much, especially after working very hard or being ill: Now that you’ve finished your exams, you can take it easy.finishexam | The doctor said he’ll have to take things easy for while.saythingput your feet up informal to rest for a short time after a tiring activity, especially by sitting with your feet resting on something: Kate poured herself a drink and put her feet up.pourfoot | When you’re pregnant and doing a full-time job, you must find time to put your feet up.dofootchill out/chill informal to relax completely, or stop worrying and getting annoyed about things - used mainly by young people: We spent the day chilling out by the pool.spendchill | Hey dude, chill out! It’s only a car! | It’s a great place to chill out. | Let’s go back to my place and chill. loosen up informal to become more relaxed and stop worrying about things: I keep telling Mum that she needs to loosen up a bit.tellneedbite | Tom had had a few drinks and was beginning to loosen up.havehavedrinkbebeginput somebody at ease/make somebody feel at ease to make someone feel relaxed, especially in a situation in which they might feel a little nervous: A good interviewer will try to make you feel at ease. | His friendly manner always puts people at their ease.put
verbDate: 1600-1700Language: Dutch
Origin: kruisen ‘to make a cross, cruise’, from Middle Dutch cruce ‘cross’, from Latin crux; → CROSS2 Verb form1[intransitive and transitive] to sail along slowly, especially for pleasure:
We were cruising in the Caribbean all winter.becruisean evening spent cruising the River Seineevenspendcruise2[intransitive usually + adverb/preposition] to move at a steady speed in a car, aircraft etc: We were cruising along at 50 miles per hour.becruisemilWe fly at a cruising speed of 500 mph.cruise3[intransitive and transitive] to drive a car slowly through a place with no particular purpose: They cruised up and down the coast road.cruise4[intransitive] informal to do something well or successfully, without too much effortcruise toThe horse cruised to a three-length win.cruise5[intransitive and transitive] informal to go to a bar or other public place, looking for a sexual partner: We went cruising the singles bars.gocruisesinglebar
cruisenounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Word sets 1 2Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplescruisecruisescruisecruise2 noun [countable]1a holiday on a large ship: a Mediterranean cruisecruise arounda cruise around the world2a journey by boat for pleasureCOLLOCATIONSverbsgo on a cruise What about going on a cruise down the Nile?gotake a cruise We thought about taking a ten-day cruise in the Caribbean.thinktakeADJECTIVES/NOUN + cruise a luxury cruise He went on a luxury cruise to Alaska.goa Mediterranean/Caribbean etc cruise a 15-night Mediterranean cruisea world cruise (=around the world) How much would a world cruise cost?willcruise + NOUNa cruise ship/liner a luxury cruise shipa cruise line/operator (=company that provides cruises)
adjectiveWord family1SATISFIEDfeeling that something is as good as it should be, or that something has happened in the way that you want OPP dissatisfied: a satisfied smilesatisfyThey have plenty of satisfied customers.satisfycustomerWill she ever be satisfied?satisfysatisfied withI’m not satisfied with the way he cut my hair.satisfycompletely/fully/totally/entirely satisfiedIf you’re not completely satisfied, you can get your money back.satisfyRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say happy rather than satisfied:Are you happy with the arrangements?bearrangement2SUREfeeling sure that something is right or truesatisfied thatHe was satisfied that he had done nothing wrong.besatisfyhavedo3(are you) satisfied? spokenANGRY a)used to say in an annoyed way that you agree to do something that you do not really want to do: Okay, okay, I’ll ask him this afternoon. Satisfied?satisfy b)used when you are annoyed with someone because they have done something that has a bad result: Dad's said neither of us can go now. Are you satisfied?saybesatisfy → self-satisfiedTHESAURUSsatisfied feeling that something is as good as it should be, or that something has happened in the way that you want: The teacher is satisfied with his progress.besatisfy | another satisfied customersatisfyhappy [not before noun] satisfied. Happy is very commonly used instead of satisfied in everyday English: The boss seems happy with my work.seem | I’m happy to work part-time until the kids are older.kidbeoldpleased [not before noun] very satisfied: I’m pleased with the results.pleaseresult | He came out looking pleased with himself.comelookpleasecontent [not before noun] satisfied with what you are doing, so that you do not want to change anything: She seemed content to just sit and watch the others.seem | Sam was quite content with his life on the farm.befulfilled [not usually before noun] feeling that you have achieved enough in your life, and that you do not need things that are more interesting, important, or useful: I enjoy being a mother, but to feel fulfilled I need to work too.befulfil
nounDate: 1400-1500Origin: talent unit of weight or money in the ancient world (9-21 centuries), from Latin talentum, from Greek talanton; from a story in the Bible in which a man gives talents to his three servants, and two of them use them well 1[uncountable and countable]GOOD AT a natural ability to do something well:
He has a lot of talent, and his work is fresh and interesting.havebeinteresttalent forShe showed a talent for acting at an early age.showacta persuasive speaker with a natural talent for leadershipHis latest book reveals hidden talents.laterevealhidetalentSadly, she inherited none of her father’s musical talent.inheritYour brother is a man of many talents.betalentThere’s a wealth of talent in English football.talent forShe showed a talent for acting at an early age.showact2[uncountable]GOOD AT a person or people with a natural ability or skill: Britain’s footballing talent3[uncountable] British English informalATTRACT sexually attractive peopleCOLLOCATIONSverbshave talent Greg has a real talent for drawing.havedrawshow talent Zach was the only one who showed any natural talent.beshowuse your talents They have been using their artistic talents to brighten up the school.beusetalentdevelop your talent Education allows people to develop their talents to the full.allowtalentwaste your talents They felt their son was wasting his talents and his time.feelbewasttalentsb’s talents flourish (=develop successfully) The school created an atmosphere in which young talent could flourish.createcanadjectivesgreat/considerable/exceptional talent He had a great talent for making money.havemakereal talent She has real talent and with a little help she could go far.havecannatural talent Ronaldo is a player of immense natural talent.beraw talent (=used to describe someone with natural ability who has not had much training) He’s got lots of raw talent but he needs a good coach.getlotneeda hidden talent Have a go – you may discover a hidden talent!hidemusical/artistic/creative etc talent It was at school that Brian’s musical talents were spotted.betalentbespottalent + NOUNa talent contest/show/competition Don’t assume winning a talent contest is a passport to success.winbephrasesa wealth of talent (=a large amount of talent) There’s a wealth of musical talent in New York and other large American cities.citya pool of talent (=lots of talented people) Employers can draw on an enormous pool of talent in this area.employerTHESAURUSskill [uncountable and countable] an ability to do something well, especially because you have learned and practised it: He plays the piano with great skill.play | communication/language/computer etc skillsskill | The course will help you improve your communication skills.skilltalent [uncountable and countable] a natural ability to do something well which can be developed with practice: She was a young artist with a lot of talent.be | She showed a talent for acting from an early age.showact | He is a man of many talents.betalentgenius [uncountable] very great ability, which only a few people have: The opera shows Mozart’s genius as a composer.opusshow | Picasso was a painter of genius.begift [countable] a natural ability to do something very well, which you were born with: You can see that he has a gift for the game.have | Winterson has great gifts as a writer.havegiftflair [singular, uncountable] skill for doing something, especially something that needs imagination and creativity: The job does require some creative flair.do | She has a flair for languages.havelanguageexpertise [uncountable] specialized knowledge of a technical subject, which you get from experience of doing that type of work: The technical expertise for building the dam is being provided by a US company.buildbebeprovidea/the knack /næk/ [singular] informal a special skill for doing a particular thing, especially a simple everyday thing: Breadmaking is easy once you get the knack.be | He has a knack for making people feel relaxed.havemakerelax
nounWord family1[countable] especially British EnglishSHOW/LET SB SEE STH a show of paintings, photographs, or other objects that people can go to seeexhibition ofan exhibition of black and white photographsphotographstage/mount/hold etc an exhibitionThe museum is staging an exhibition of Picasso’s work.bestage2[uncountable]SHOW/LET SB SEE STH when something such as a painting is shown in a public placeexhibition ofShe never agreed to the public exhibition of her sculptures while she was still alive.agreesculpturebeon exhibitionA collection of paintings by David Hockney is on exhibition at the Museum of Art.paintingbe3exhibition of somethingBAD BEHAVIOUR OR ACTIONS a situation in which someone shows a particular skill, feeling, or type of behaviour SYN display: I’ve never seen such an exhibition of jealousy.see4make an exhibition of yourselfSHOW OFF to behave in a silly or embarrassing way SYN make a fool of yourselfCOLLOCATIONSverbshave an exhibition The college is having an exhibition of the students’ work in April.behavestudenthold/mount/stage an exhibition formal (=have an exhibition) Hayward Gallery is mounting an impressive exhibition of new British artists.bemountartistput on an exhibition (=have an exhibition) Last summer the museum put on some wonderful exhibitions for children.exhibitionchildhost an exhibition formal (=provide the place for an exhibition) Boston’s Museum of Fine Art hosts temporary exhibitions alongside its permanent collection.hostexhibitiongo to an exhibition (also attend/visit an exhibition formal) We went to an exhibition of Russian art at the National Gallery.gosee an exhibition We also saw an exhibition of paintings by Sydney Lough Thompson, a New Zealand artist.seepaintingarrange/organize an exhibition The trust arranged an exhibition of his drawings in New York.arrangedrawingpromote an exhibition (=tell the public about it) Our press officer contacted the local radio and TV stations to promote the exhibition.contactstationadjectivesa big/large exhibition This is the largest exhibition of its kind that we have ever seen in London.belargeseean important exhibition an important exhibition of twentieth century arta major exhibition (=large and important) His work is the subject of a major exhibition at the National Gallery.bea small exhibition The library held a small exhibition showcasing the work of local artists.holdshowcaseartista permanent exhibition The museum hosts a permanent exhibition of Boston’s history.hosta temporary exhibition Temporary exhibitions are usually held in the basement.exhibitionbeholda touring/travelling exhibition (=one that moves from place to place) The touring exhibition is scheduled to be in Dallas from March until June.tourbeschedulea retrospective exhibition (=one that shows work from the past) a retrospective exhibition celebrating 150 years of photographycelebrateyearexhibition + NOUNan exhibition centre British English, an exhibition center American English (=a large building for holding exhibitions) The exhibition will be held in the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.holdan exhibition hall There’s a large exhibition hall on the ground floor.grindan exhibition stand (=a stand for showing things at an exhibition) He took up his position at the exhibition stand.takeexhibition space (=space where exhibitions can be held) The building provides 125,000 square metres of exhibition space in 12 halls.buildprovidemetrehallan exhibition venue (=a place where exhibitions can be held) We are still looking for suitable exhibition venues.belookvenueTHESAURUSexhibition an event at which a collection of paintings, interesting objects etc are shown to the public for a period of time: All the photographs in the exhibition are for sale.photographbe | The Great Outdoors Exhibition is a great place to find out about new outdoors activities.beactivityshow an exhibition. Show is less formal than exhibition. It can be used about small events as well as big public ones: The artist is preparing a show at the Museum of Modern Art.beprepare | He is putting on a one-man show in a local gallery.beput | a trade show | the London Motor Show at Earl’s Courtexhibit American English an exhibition: an exhibit of Western paintings and sculpturespaintingsculpturefair an event at which people or businesses show or sell their products, which is often not open to the public: the Frankfurt Book Fair for publishers and the mediapublishermediumexposition a large and important public event at which people or businesses show or sell their products: 177 galleries from nineteen countries will take part in the Chicago International Art Exposition.gallerycountry
noun (plural knives /naɪvz/) [countable]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: cnif
1 a metal blade fixed into a handle, used for cutting or as a weapon → scalpel: a knife and forkSome young people are carrying knives to defend themselves.becarryknifea kitchen knifeUse a sharp knife to cut the melon into sections.section → carving knife, flick knife, palette knife, paper knife, penknife2the knives are out (for somebody) informalUNFRIENDLY used to say that people are being extremely unfriendly in criticizing someone: The knives are out for the vice president.knifebe3twist/turn the knife (in the wound)UPSET to say something that makes someone more upset about a subject they are already unhappy about4stick/put etc the knife in/into someone British English informalUNFRIENDLY to dislike someone and be very unfriendly towards them5under the knife informalCURE having a medical operation6you could cut the atmosphere/air/tension with a knife used to say that you felt the people in a room were angry with each other7like a (hot) knife through butter informal used to say that something happens or is done very easily, without any problemsCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + knife sharp Be careful using that knife - it's very sharp.useblunt (=not sharp) The knife was so blunt it wouldn't cut anything.bea bread knife Will you pass me the bread knife?a kitchen knife (=a long knife used for cutting vegetables etc) Every chef has his own set of kitchen knives.haveknifea carving knife (=for cutting meat) Dad always used to sharpen the carving knife.usecarvea pocket knife (=a small knife that you carry with you) He was armed with nothing but a pocket knife.bearmknife + NOUNa knife wound She died from a single knife wound.diewinda knife attack He was sentenced to 9 years in prison for a knife attack.besentenceyearknife crime (=crimes in which people are attacked with knives) Knife crime is on the increase.bephrasesthe blade of a knife The blade of the knife cut cleanly through the rope.the handle of a knife His hand reached down to the handle of his knife.reachverbscarry a knife (=have it with you) The campaign warns young people about the dangers of carrying knives.warndangercarryknifebe armed with a knife (=have it with you) One of the men was armed with a knife.manbearmhold a knife In his hand, he held a long knife.holdthreaten somebody with a knife The girls were threatened with a knife.girlbethreatenbrandish/wield a knife (=wave it around in a threatening way) A man brandishing a knife burst into the room.brandishsharpen a knife (=make it sharper) What's the best way to sharpen a knife?well
knifeverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesknifeknifesknifedknifingknifeknife2 verb [transitive]Verb form INJUREto put a knife into someone’s body SYN stab: She had been knifed to death.havebeknife—knifingknifing noun [countable]
verb (past tense and past participle bred /bred/)Language: Old EnglishOrigin: bredan Verb form1[intransitive]BABY/HAVE A BABY if animals breed, they mate in order to have babies:
Eagles breed during the cooler months of the year.eaglecoolmonth2[transitive] to keep animals or plants in order to produce babies or new plants, especially ones with particular qualities: These dogs were originally bred in Scotland to round up sheep.dogbebreed →, → born and bred at born2(3)
breednounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Word sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesbreedbreedsbreedbreed2 noun [countable]1TYPEa type of animal that is kept as a pet or on a farmbreed ofSpaniels are my favourite breed of dog.spanielbe2TYPEa particular kind of person or type of thing: Real cowboys are a dying breed (=not many exist anymore).cowboybedieDodd was one of that rare breed (=there are not many of them) who could make the game of football look simple.becanbreed ofa new breed of international criminal
nounLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: seolfor 1[uncountable] a valuable shiny, light grey metal that is used to make jewellery, knives, coins etc. It is a chemical element: symbol Ag:
a silver necklacecups made of solid silvercupmake2[uncountable] spoons, forks, dishes etc that are made of silver SYN silverware: It was my job to polish the silver.be3[uncountable and countable] the colour of silver: The lake sparkled with shades of blue and silver.sparkleshadeThis season’s colours are rich golds and elegant silvers.colourbegoldsilver4[uncountable and countable] informal a silver medal: He won a silver at the last Olympics.win5[uncountable] British English coins that contain silver or are the colour of silver: He put his hand into his pocket and brought out a handful of silver.bring
silveradjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplessilversilversilver2 adjective1made of silver: a silver teapota silver coina solid silver brooch2having the colour of silver: an old man with silver hair3on a silver platter if something is given to you on a silver platter, you do not have to make any effort to get it: He had a scholarship handed to him on a silver platter.havehand4silver bullet American English something that solves a difficult problem very quickly and easily: There is no silver bullet for this problem.be → be born with a silver spoon in your mouth at born2(8), → every cloud has a silver lining at cloud1(6)
silververbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplessilversilverssilveredsilveringsilversilver3 verb [transitive]Verb form1technical to cover a surface with a thin shiny layer of silver or another metal in order to make a mirror2literary to make something shine and look the colour of silver: The farmhouse appeared, silvered by the moon.appearsilver
SilverSilverSilverSilver
the name of the lone ranger‘s horse in a US television show. The Lone Ranger always said ’Hi ho Silver!' before riding away on him.
noun [countable]Date: 1100-1200Language: Old French
Origin: Late Latin sanctus, from Latin, ‘holy’, from the past participle of sancire ‘to confirm, make holy’ 1(written abbreviation St or St.) someone who is given the title ‘saint’ by the Christian Church after they have died, because they have been very good or holy:
Saint PatrickStatues of saints lined the walls of the church.statuesaintlinewall2informalGOOD/MORAL someone who is extremely good, kind, or patient: His wife must have been a saint to put up with him for all those years.beyear3the patience of a saintWAIT a very large amount of patience: You need the patience of a saint for this job.
nounWord familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: texte, from Latin textus ‘woven material’, from texere ‘to weave’ 1[uncountable] any written material:
One disk can store the equivalent of 500 pages of text.page2[uncountable]WRITE the writing that forms the main part of a book, magazine etc, rather than the pictures or notes → textual: There should not be too much text in children’s books.shallchildbook3[countable] a book or other piece of writing that is connected with learning or intended for study: Some of the original text has survived.havesurviveLiterary texts, like all other works of art, have a historical context.textwork‘Hamlet’ is a set text (=one that must be studied for an examination) this year. British Englishbe4[countable] American English a textbook: a chemistry text5the text of somethingWORD, PHRASE, OR SENTENCE the exact words of a speech, article etc: Only ‘The Times’ printed the full text of the President’s speech.timeprint6[countable] a text message: He sent me a text saying he would be late.sendsaywill7[countable] a short piece from the Bible that someone reads and talks about during a religious service
textverbCollocations from other entriesActivator 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplestexttextstextedtextingtexttext2 S2 verb [intransitive and transitive]Verb form to send someone a written message on a mobile phone—textingtexting noun [uncountable]
noun [countable]Date: 1300-1400Language: French
Origin: golfe, from Greek kolpos ‘arms folded around, bay’ 1a large area of sea partly enclosed by land:
the Gulf of Mexico2DIFFERENTa great difference and lack of understanding between two groups of people, especially in their beliefs, opinions, and way of life SYN gapgulf betweenthe huge gulf between management and unionsuniona growing gulf between old and younggrow
GulfGulfGulfGulf
trademark a brand of oil and petrol
noun
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: græs 1in fields and gardens a)[uncountable] a very common plant with thin leaves that covers the ground in fields and gardens and is often eaten by animals:
She enjoyed the feel of grass beneath her feet.enjoyfoota blade of grass (=single leaf) b)[countable] a particular kind of grass: All grasses need light to grow well.grass2the grass an area of grass, especially an area where the grass is kept cut short: I walked across the grass.walkKeep off the grass.3drug [uncountable] informal marijuana4criminal [countable] British English informalCRIME someone, usually a criminal, who gives information about other criminals to the police – used to show disapproval SYN informer, stoolpigeon American English → supergrass5the grass is greener (on the other side) used to say that other places or situations seem better than yours, although they may not really be better6not let the grass grow under your feetSPEND TIME to not waste time or delay starting something7put somebody out to grass informalLEAVE A JOB OR ORGANIZATION to make someone leave their job because they are too old to do it effectively → grass roots, → snake in the grass at snake1(2)COLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2verbscut the grass The grass in the back garden needs cutting.needcutmow the grass (=cut it with a special machine) I usually mow the grass once a week.adjectivesgreen The cows moved slowly through the long green grass.cowmovetall/long I walked with the tall grass brushing my knees.walkbrushkneeshort These mowers only work efficiently on short grass.mowercoarse (=consisting of thick and large pieces) The only vegetation was a few bushes and patches of coarse grass.bebushpatchdamp/wet His foot slipped on the wet grass and he fell.slipfallgrass + NOUNgrass clippings/cuttings (=pieces of cut grass) You can use your grass clippings to start your own compost pile.clippinggrass stains (=marks on clothing caused by grass) It's going to be difficult to get the grass stains out of these trousers.gostaintrousergrass seed Now is the best time to plant grass seed.bewellgrass verge British English (=area of grass next to a road) He stopped the car on the grass verge of the deserted road.stopdesertphrasesa blade of grass (=a single piece of grass) A few blades of grass poked out of the dry earth.bladepoke
grassverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesgrassgrassesgrassedgrassinggrassgrass2 verb [intransitive]Verb form (also grass somebody up) British English informalTALK TO SB to tell the police about a criminal’s activitiesgrass onBurton grassed on other prisoners.grassprisonergrass something ↔ over phrasal verb to cover land with grass
trademark a former type of credit card in the UK which is now known as Mastercard
accessnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesaccessaccessesaccessac‧cess1 S2 W1 AC /ˈækses/
noun [uncountable]Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: acces ‘arrival’, from Latin accessus ‘approach’, from accedere; → ACCEDE 1ENTERthe right to enter a place, use something, see someone etcaccess to
Access to the papers is restricted to senior management.paperberestrictCats should always have access to fresh, clean water.catshall2ENTERhow easy or difficult it is for people to enter a public building, to reach a place, or talk to someoneaccess forWe’re trying to improve access for disabled visitors.trydisablevisitoraccess toa villa with easy access to the sea3ENTERthe way you use to enter a building or reach a place: Access is by means of a small door on the right.bemeanaccess toAccess to the restrooms is through the foyer.be4have access to a car/a computer etcAVAILABLE to have a car, a computer etc that you can use5British English the legal right to see and spend time with your children, a prisoner, an official etc: My ex-husband has access to the children once a week.havechild6gain/get access (to something)ENTER to succeed in entering a place or in seeing someone or something: The police managed to gain access through an upstairs window.manage
accessverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesaccessaccessesaccessedaccessingaccessaccess2 AC verb [transitive]Word familyVerb form to find information, especially on a computer: Users can access their voice mail remotely.user
adjectiveWord familyDate: 1700-1800Language: French
Origin: ‘cross-shaped’, from Latin crux; → CROSS2 IMPORTANTsomething that is crucial is extremely important, because everything else depends on it SYN vitalcrucial to
This aid money is crucial to the government’s economic policies.bepolicycrucial in/to doing somethingThe work of monks was crucial in spreading Christianity.monkbespreadplay a crucial role/part in somethingThe city of Mycenae played a crucial role in the history of Greece.playThe conservation of tropical forests is of crucial importance.forestbe—cruciallycrucially adverbCOLLOCATIONSphrasesplay a crucial role/part in something Parents play a crucial role in preparing their children for adult life.parentpreparechildbe of crucial importance Good leadership is of crucial importance in motivating staff.bemotivateadverbsabsolutely crucial Technology has an absolutely crucial role in modern medicine.haveverbsprove crucial (=be crucial) His appointment was to prove crucial to the organization’s success.beremain crucial Logging remains crucial to the country’s economy.logremainregard/consider something as crucial The city was regarded as crucial to the area’s defence.beregardnounsa crucial factor/part/element The cost of the project is the crucial factor.bea crucial point This was a crucial point in our relationship.bea crucial question She seemed to be trying to avoid the crucial question.seemtrya crucial issue The study of consumer behaviour is a crucial issue in marketing.bemarketa crucial difference There is a crucial difference between the British and American attitudes.beattitudea crucial moment/time At the crucial moment, he withdrew the support of the army.withdrawa crucial stage The peace talks are now at a crucial stage.talkbea crucial decision/step Choosing a career is a crucial decision to make.choosebecrucial information The government did not publicize this crucial information.docrucial evidence The prosecution had forgotten one piece of crucial evidence.haveforget
nounWord familyDate: 1100-1200Language: Latin
Origin: religio, probably from religare; → RELY 1[uncountable] a belief in one or more gods:
The U.S. Constitution promises freedom of religion.promisea course on philosophy and religion2[countable] a particular system of this belief and all the ceremonies and duties that are related to it: people of different religionsreligionthe Islamic religionThe tribe practised a religion that mixed native beliefs and Christianity.practisemixbelief3find/get religion to suddenly become interested in religion in a way that seems strange to other people: Miller found religion in prison.find4something is (like) a religionINTERESTED used when saying that something is very important to someone and they are extremely interested in it and spend a lot of time doing it, watching it etc: Football was a religion in my family.beTHESAURUSreligion [uncountable and countable] a set of beliefs about a god, and the ceremonies and customs that go with these beliefs. Also used when talking about all religions in general: Judaism is one of the great religions of the world.bereligion | African tribal religionsreligion | a lecture on the role of religion in societyfaith [uncountable and countable] a religion, especially one of the large important world religions. Also used when talking about religious belief in general: The school welcomes children of all faiths.welcomechildfaith | His religious faith was always deeply important to him.bebelief [uncountable and countable] the act of believing in a god or gods, or the ideas that someone believes because of their religion: We all have the right to freedom of belief. | They were persecuted because of their religious beliefs.bepersecutebeliefdenomination [countable] a religious group that has slightly different beliefs from other groups who belong to the same religion: The church is the largest Christian denomination in the United States.belargeunitestatesect [countable] a group of people who have their own set of religious beliefs and customs, especially a group that has separated from a larger group: He became a member of a Buddhist sect.become | There are two sects in Islam - the Sunni and the Shi'a.besect | an obscure religious sectthe church [singular, uncountable] the Christian religion in general: How great is the influence of the church in present-day society?be | The church has a lot to say about this.havethe Catholic/Protestant etc church (also Church) [countable] one of the separate groups within the Christian religion: the Methodist Churchcult [countable] an extreme religious group that is not part of an established religion – often used to show disapproval: The suicides have been linked to a strange religious cult.suicidebelink | the traditional pagan cults of Ancient Romecultcreed [uncountable and countable] formal the religion that you belong to, and the set of beliefs that you accept in order to belong to it – often used in phrases when saying that your religion should not affect how you are treated: There must be no discrimination because of race, colour, or creed. | You will be rewarded whatever your race or creed.rewardfaith community [countable] formal a group of people who share the same religious beliefs – used especially in official contexts: the benefits of living within a supportive faith communitybenefitlive
noun
Word family1activity/skill [uncountable]READ the activity or skill of understanding written words: She loves reading.lovereadReading is taught using a combination of several methods.readbeteachusemethod2books [uncountable]READ books and other things that you can read: Her main reading seems to be mystery novels.readseemnovela bit of light reading (=things that are easy and enjoyable to read) for my holidaybitereadThere’s a list of further reading (=other things you can read) at the end of each chapter.farreada supply of interesting reading materialinterestread3act of reading [singular]READ when you read something: The book is quite difficult on first reading.bereada close reading of the text (=when you read it very carefully)read4understanding [countable]OPINION your way of understanding what a particular statement, situation, event etc means SYN interpretationreading ofWhat’s your reading of the government’s response to this crisis?read5to a group [countable] a)an occasion when a piece of literature is read to a group of people: a poetry reading at the bookstoreread b)a piece of writing, especially from the Bible, that is read to a group of people: The first reading is from Corinthians I, Chapter 3.readbe6make (for) interesting/fascinating/compelling etc readingREAD to be interesting etc to read: Your report made fascinating reading.makefascinateread7measurement [countable]MEASURE a number or amount shown on a measuring instrument: We take temperature readings every two hours.readinghour8in parliament [countable] one of the occasions in the British Parliament or the US Congress when a suggested new law is discussed: the second reading of the Industrial Relations Billreadrelation
nounWord familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Latin
Origin: suspicio, from suspicere; → SUSPECT1 1[uncountable and countable]SUSPECT a feeling you have that someone is probably guilty of doing something wrong or dishonest:
I can’t say for definite who did it, but I certainly have my suspicions.dosuspicionPolice suspicions were confirmed when the stolen property was found in his flat.suspicionbeconfirmstealbefindI wondered how I could leave early without arousing anyone’s suspicions.wondercanarousesuspicionon suspicion of (doing) somethingShe was arrested on suspicion of murder.bearrestunder suspicionHe felt he was still under suspicion.feelbeMitchell later came under suspicion of assaulting two young girls.latecomeassaultgirlabove/beyond suspicionShe felt that she ought to be above suspicion (=so honest that no one could think that she had done anything wrong).feel2[uncountable and countable]TRUST# a feeling that you do not trust someone: She always treated us with suspicion.treatPeople moving into the area are often regarded with suspicion.moveberegard3[countable]BELIEVE a feeling you have that something is true, especially something badsuspicion (that)I have a suspicion that the local authority may be planning to close the school.planShe was left with a sneaking suspicion (=a small suspicion) that Steven was not telling the truth.beleavesneakbetell4a suspicion of something formalSMALL a very small amount of something that you can only just see, hear, or taste: I could see the faintest suspicion of a tear in her eyes.canfainteyeCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1verbshave your suspicions Many of us had our suspicions, but we couldn't prove anything.havesuspicionconfirm somebody's suspicions (=show that someone's suspicions were right) The letter confirmed my suspicions.confirmsuspicionarouse suspicion (=make people think that someone has done something wrong) How was he able to kill his victims without arousing suspicion?bevictimarouseraise suspicions (=make people think that someone has done something wrong) That fact immediately raised suspicions of Johnson's involvement in the incident.raisesuspicionbe/come under suspicion (=be thought to have probably done something wrong) He was still under suspicion of fraud.beallay suspicion formal (=make people stop having suspicions) She had to allay their suspicions and stop them probing any further.havesuspicionprobefardivert suspicion (=make people have suspicions about someone else) He started the rumour to divert suspicion from himself.startsuspicion falls on somebody Suspicion fell on Jenkins who had been seen near the scene of the crime.fallhavebeseephrasesgrounds for suspicion (=reasons for suspicion) Police can stop and search you if they have good grounds for suspicion.groundbe above/beyond suspicion (=be so honest that you are never thought to have done something wrong) He regarded his friend Henry as being above suspicion.regardbeCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 3verbshave a suspicion I have a suspicion that he forgot to post the letter.forgetsuspicion grew Suspicion grew that the business was about to collapse.growbeadjectivesa strong suspicion She had a strong suspicion he was laughing at her.havebelaugha sneaking suspicion (=a small suspicion) We have a sneaking suspicion they're trying to put together a deal.sneaktrya nasty/awful suspicion Suddenly I had a nasty suspicion that the boss was going to make me redundant.havebegothe slightest suspicion Daniel never had the slightest suspicion of how she really felt.haveslightfeela nagging suspicion (=one that you have all the time) I had a nagging suspicion that Colin wasn't telling me the whole truth.havenagtell
noun [countable]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: fleot ‘ship’, from fleotan; → FLEETING 1a group of ships, or all the ships in a navy:
the US seventh fleet2GROUP OF THINGSa group of vehicles that are controlled by one companyfleet ofa fleet of taxistaxi
fleetadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCorpus examplesfleetfleeterfleetestfleetfleet2 adjective literaryDate: 1500-1600Origin: Probably from fleet ‘to go quickly’; → FLEETING FAST/QUICKfast or quick:
Atalanta was fleet of foot (=able to run quickly).be
adjective informalDate: 1800-1900Origin: superfine ‘of the highest quality’ (17-21 centuries), from super- + fine GOOD/EXCELLENTextremely good SYN wonderful:
an old car in super conditionThat sounds super.soundWhat a super idea!
supernounCorpus examplessupersuperssupersuper2 noun [countable] American EnglishDate: 1800-1900Origin: superintendant informal a superintendent(4) superadverbOther dictionary examplessupersupersuper3
adverb American English spoken extremely: Sorry, I’m super tired, I have to turn in.tire
noun
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: isern, iren 1metal [uncountable] a common hard metal that is used to make steel, is magnetic, and is found in very small quantities in food and blood. It is a chemical element: symbol Fe:
the iron and steel industrya driveway with large iron gatesgateiron ore (=rock that contains iron)the absorption of iron from food → wrought iron, cast iron2
for clothes [countable] a thing used for making clothes smooth, which has a heated flat metal base3have several irons in the fireDIFFERENT to be involved in several different activities or have several plans all happening at the same time: He has several economic irons in the fire, including gold and diamond mines.haveironincludemine4
sport [countable] a golf club made of metal rather than wood: a 5-iron5chains irons [plural] especially literary a chain used to prevent a prisoner from moving: leg ironsiron → a will of iron/an iron will at will2(1), → pump iron at pump2(8), → rule somebody/something with a rod of iron at rule2(5), → strike while the iron’s hot at strike1(27)
ironverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Word sets 1 2Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesironironsironedironingironiron2 S3 verb [transitive]Verb form to make clothes smooth using an iron SYN press: Have you ironed my shirt?iron → ironingiron something ↔ out phrasal verb SOLVE/DEAL WITH A PROBLEMto solve or get rid of problems or difficulties, especially small ones: We need to iron out a few problems first.problem
ironadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesironironiron3 adjective [only before noun] DETERMINEDvery firm and strong or determined: He runs the company with an iron fist.run
nounWord family1 [countable]LOUD/NOISY a loud sound and the energy produced by something such as a bomb bursting into small pieces → explodebomb/gas/nuclear explosionSeveral people were injured in a bomb explosion.beinjureWe heard a loud explosion.hearhuge/massive etc explosionA massive explosion ripped through the building.ripbuild2[uncountable and countable] a process in which something such as a bomb is deliberately made to explode: Police carried out a controlled explosion of the device.carrycontrol3[countable]INCREASE IN NUMBER OR AMOUNT a sudden or quick increase in the number or amount of something: the population explosion in Indiaexplosion ofthe recent explosion of interest in Latin music and dance4[countable]EMOTIONAL a sudden expression of emotion, especially anger SYN outburst5[countable]LOUD/NOISY a sudden very loud noiseexplosion ofan explosion of laughterCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2ADJECTIVES/NOUN + explosiona big explosion There has been a big explosion in the centre of Paris.havebea huge/massive/enormous explosion An enormous explosion tore the roof off the building.tearbuilda tremendous explosion (=very big and powerful) The torpedo struck the side of the ship, followed by a tremendous explosion.strikefollowa powerful explosion The powerful explosion was heard from Portland, Maine to Albany, New York.beheara major explosion formal We are getting reports of a major explosion at the oil refinery.begetreporta loud explosion We heard several loud explosions followed by an eerie silence.hearexplosionfollowa deafening explosion (=extremely loud) The building collapsed in a deafening explosion.buildcollapsedeafenan almighty explosion old-fashioned (=extremely loud) There was an almighty explosion and I was knocked to the ground.bebeknockgrinda muffled explosion (=one that is not heard very clearly) We could just make out a muffled explosion from deep inside the mine.canmufflea nuclear/atomic explosion This is the site of the first ever nuclear explosion.bea gas explosion Firefighters say that a gas explosion destroyed the building.firefighterdestroybuilda volcanic explosion (=one caused by a volcano) You could see where a volcanic explosion had blown the mountain peak away.canhaveblowverbscause an explosion The police do not yet know what caused the explosion.causeset off/trigger an explosion (=cause an explosion) Investigators believe a fuel leak may have triggered the explosion.investigatortriggercarry out an explosion (=cause one deliberately) By 1942, the United States had carried out test explosions with nuclear bombs.unitestatehavecarryexplosionbombhear an explosion Marie was reading in bed when she heard the explosion.bereadhearan explosion takes place/happens The largest explosion took place at the main post office.largetakean explosion occurs formal The explosion occurred just off the coast of Greece.occuran explosion shakes something A series of explosions shook the building.explosionshakebuildan explosion destroys something Seven people died when the explosion destroyed the bus.diedestroyan explosion kills somebody Last year, an underground explosion killed 82 miners.killminerCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 3ADJECTIVES/NOUN + explosiona sudden explosion Henry thought she was going to laugh, but then there was a sudden explosion of sobbing.thinkbegobesoba population explosion The decision not to plant the fields led to a population explosion in rabbits.fieldleadrabbitphrasesan explosion of interest in something There has been an explosion of interest in networking websites in the last few years.havebenetworkwebsiteyearan explosion of violence The army had to cope with the explosion of violence that followed the elections.havefollowelectionan explosion of anger The verdict was greeted by an explosion of public anger.begreetan explosion of colour literary After the rain, the desert bloomed in an explosion of color.bloomTHESAURUSa very big increaseexplosion noun [countable] a sudden very large increase in the amount or number of something: There has been an explosion in the number of fast food restaurants.havebenumbrestaurant | The country experienced a population explosion.experience | The book caused an explosion of interest in Renaissance Italy.causeboom noun [singular] a sudden large increase in trade, profits or sales, with the result that a country, company, or industry becomes very successful. Boom is also used about a sudden increase in interest in something, with the result that it becomes very popular: the German economic boom of the 1960s | the Internet boom | There has been a boom in sales of diet books and videos.havebesalebookvideo
adjective
Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: sensitif, from Medieval Latin sensitivus, from Latin sensus; → SENSE1 1understanding peopleUNDERSTAND able to understand other people’s feelings and problems OPP insensitive:
a sensitive and intelligent young mansensitive toIt’s made me much more sensitive to the needs of the disabled.makeneeddisable2easily offendedUPSET easily upset or offended by events or things that people say: a very sensitive childsensitive aboutLaura’s sensitive about her weight.sensitive toThroughout her career she remained very sensitive to criticism.remainsensitive soul British English (=someone who is easily upset by small or unimportant things) → hypersensitive3easily affectedFEEL HOT/COLD/TIRED ETC easily affected or damaged by something such as a substance or temperature: Wetlands are environmentally sensitive areas.wetlandbeareaa baby’s sensitive skinsensitive toOlder people tend to be very sensitive to cold.oldIncreasing numbers of people are sensitive to cow’s milk.increasenumberbe4situation/subjectDIFFICULT a situation or subject that is sensitive needs to be dealt with very carefully, because it is secret or because it may offend people: Abortion is a very sensitive issue.besensitive matters such as national securitymatterhighly sensitive information5reacting to changes reacting to very small changes in light, temperature, position etc: a highly sensitive electronic cameralight-sensitive/heat-sensitive etclight-sensitive photographic paper6art/music etcEXPRESS able to understand or express yourself through art, music, literature etc: a very sensitive performance—sensitivelysensitively adverb: It is an issue which needs to be handled sensitively.beneedhandleTHESAURUSsecret known about by only a few people, who have agreed not to tell anyone else: a secret meeting placemeet | The details of the proposal must remain secret.detailconfidential used about information, especially in business or government, that is secret and not intended to be shown or told to other people: a highly confidential report | Employees’ personal details are treated as strictly confidential.employeedetailbetreatclassified used about information that the government has ordered to be kept secret from most people: He was accused of passing on classified information to the Russians in the 1950s.beaccusepassclassifysensitive used about information that is kept secret because there would be problems if the wrong people knew it: A teenager managed to hack into sensitive US Air Force files.managefilecovert [only before noun] used about things that are done secretly, especially by a government or official organization: a CIA covert operationundercover [usually before noun] used about things that are done secretly by the police in order to catch criminals or find out information: Detectives arrested the suspect after a five-day undercover operation.detectivearrestunderground an underground organization or newspaper is one that operates or is produced secretly and opposes the government: Her father was a member of the underground resistance movement in France during World War II.beclandestine /klænˈdestən, klænˈdestɪn/ secret and often illegal or immoral: clandestine meetingsmeeting | his involvement in a clandestine operation to sell arms to Iranarm | a clandestine love affairhush-hush informal used about information or activities that are kept officially secret: He was put in charge of some hush-hush military project.be | I’ve no idea what he does – it’s all very hush-hush.do
verb [intransitive]Verb form1CONFUSEDto be confused or shocked by a situation: Norman’s brain was reeling, but he did his best to appear calm.bereeldowellreel fromThe party is still reeling from its recent election defeat.bereel2(also reel back)BACK/BACKWARDS to step backwards suddenly and almost fall over, especially after being hit or getting a shock: Diane reeled back in amazement.reelThe force of the punch sent him reeling against the wall.sendreel3[always + adverb/preposition]BALANCE to walk in an unsteady way and almost fall over, as if you are drunk: Andy reeled away from the bar and knocked over his stool.reelknock4BALANCEto seem to go around and around: The room reeled before my eyes and I fainted.reeleyefaintreel somebody/something ↔ in phrasal verb1to wind the reel on a fishing rod so that a fish caught on the line comes towards you: It took almost an hour to reel the fish in.take2to get or attract a large number of people or things SYN pull in: The programme reels in more than 13 million viewers a show.reelviewerreel something ↔ off phrasal verb1LISTto repeat a lot of information quickly and easily: Jack reeled off a list of names.reelname2informal to do something again and again: The Yankees reeled off 14 straight wins.reelwin
reelnounWord sets 1 2 3 4Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesreelreelsreelreel2 noun [countable]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: hreol
1 a)a round object onto which film, wire, a special string for fishing etc can be wound: a cotton reela fishing rod and reelfish b)the amount that one of these objects will hold: a reel of film2one of the parts of a cinema film that is contained on a reel: the final reel3a quick folk dance, especially one from Scotland or Ireland, or the music for this
noun [uncountable and countable]Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: Medieval Latin superplus, from Latin plus ‘more’ 1TOO/TOO MUCHan amount of something that is more than what is needed or used SYN excess:
Any surplus can be trimmed away.trimsurplus ofa surplus of crude oil2PROFITthe amount of money that a country or company has left after it has paid for all the things it needs: a huge budget surplus of over £16 billion → trade surplus
surplusadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplessurplussurplussurplus2 adjective1TOO/TOO MUCHmore than what is needed or used: Ethiopia has no surplus food.havesurplus cash/funds/revenuesSurplus cash can be invested.invest2be surplus to requirements British English formalNEED# to be no longer necessary: He found out he was surplus to requirements in London and left.findberequirementleave
adjective
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: hreaw 1food not cooked:
raw meatgrated raw carrotsgratecarrotCabbage can be eaten raw.eat2substances raw substances are in a natural state and not treated or prepared for use → refined: raw silkIn its raw state, cocoa is very bitter.beRaw sewage had been dumped in the river.havebedumpThe cost of our raw materials has risen significantly.materialhaverise3information raw information is collected but not organized, examined, or developed: software to convert raw data into usable informationdatumHis time here provided the raw material for his novel.provideWarhol used everyday items as the raw ingredients of his art.useitemingredient4emotionsSTRONG FEELING OR BELIEFSTRONG PERSON raw feelings are strong and natural, but not fully controlled: raw passionLinda didn’t want to see Roy while her emotions were still raw.emotionbeIt took raw courage to admit she was wrong.takebe5body if a part of your body is raw, the skin there is red and painful: The skin on my feet was rubbed raw.footberub6inexperienced not experienced or not fully trained: Most of our soldiers are raw recruits.soldierberecruit7touch/hit a raw nerveUPSET to upset someone by something you say: Seeing his face, Joanne realized she’d touched a raw nerve.seerealizetouch8raw dealUNFAIR unfair treatment: Customers are getting a raw deal and are rightly angry.customerbegetbe9weather very cold: She shivered in the raw morning air.shiver10art music, art, language etc that is raw is simple, direct, and powerful, but not fully developed: Her voice has a raw poetic beauty.haveHis early sketches are raw and unpretentious.sketchbe11raw talent someone with raw talent is naturally good at something, but has not developed their ability yet: He has the raw talent to become a star.have12raw edge the edge of a piece of material before it has been sewn: Turn over the raw edges and stitch.edge—rawnessrawnessesrawness noun [uncountable]
rawnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesrawrawsrawraw2 noun1in the rawNATURAL a)seen in a way that does not hide cruelty and violence: He went on the streets to experience life in the raw.gostreetIt was my first exposure to India in the raw.be b)informal not wearing any clothes SYN in the nude: sunbathing in the rawsunbathe2catch/touch somebody on the raw British EnglishUPSET to say or do something that upsets someone: She flinched, caught on the raw by his question.flinchcatch
adjectiveLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: biter 1ANGRY/UPSETANGRYfeeling angry, jealous, and upset because you think you have been treated unfairly → bitterlybitter about
I feel very bitter about it.a bitter old man2CAUSING UNHAPPINESS[only before noun]UNPLEASANT making you feel very unhappy and upset → bitterlya bitter disappointment/blowIf he failed, it would be a bitter disappointment to his parents.failwillparentHis photo stirred up bitter memories.stirmemoryfrom bitter experience (=because of your own very unpleasant experiences)She knew from bitter experience that it would be impossible to talk it over with Julian.knowwill3FULL OF HATREDHATEa bitter argument, battle etc is one in which people oppose or criticize each other with strong feelings of hate and angerbitter dispute/battle/struggle etcThe couple are locked in a bitter battle for custody of the children.belockchildThe government faces bitter opposition to these policies.facepolicyThe countries are still bitter enemies.countrybeenemy4TASTEhaving a strong sharp taste, like black coffee without sugar → sour, sweet: Enjoy the beer’s bitter taste as you slowly drink it.bitter chocolate5COLDCOLDunpleasantly cold → bitterly: a bitter windthe bitter cold of the Midwestern winterswinter6to the bitter endFINISH/COME TO AN END continuing until the end, even though this is difficult: Employees have vowed to fight the closure to the bitter end.employeevow7a bitter pill (to swallow)UNPLEASANT something very unpleasant that you must accept: The knowledge that his friends no longer trusted him was a bitter pill to swallow.friendlongtrustbe—bitternessbitternessesbitterness noun [uncountable]COLLOCATIONSMeaning 3nounsa bitter battle/dispute There was a bitter battle over the building of the new airport.bebuilda bitter fight/struggle The law was passed after a bitter fight that lasted nearly a decade.bepasslasta bitter conflict The stage is set for a bitter conflict with trade unions.beuniona bitter debate/argument The country now faces a bitter debate over the issue.facebitter disagreement There were reports of bitter disagreement between the European Communities.bereportcommunitybitter opposition The new tax aroused bitter opposition.arousea bitter rival/enemy (=a rival/enemy who you have strong feelings of dislike or anger about) The two men are bitter rivals for the party leadership.manberivalTHESAURUSbitter having a strong sharp taste that is not sweet, like black coffee without sugar - used especially about chocolate, medicine etc: The dessert is made with a slightly bitter chocolate.bemake | Hops give beer its distinctive bitter taste.hop | The medicine tasted bitter.taste | As the lettuce gets older, the leaves become more bitter.getoldleavesharp having a taste that makes your tongue sting slightly: Rhubarb has quite a sharp taste.have | The cheese has a pleasing colour and a pleasantly sharp flavour.havepleasesour having a usually unpleasant sharp acid taste, like the taste of a lemon, or a fruit that is not ready to be eaten – used especially about fruit, or about liquids that have gone bad: Some people say that the purpose of the lemon’s sour taste is to stop the fruit being eaten by animals.bebeeatanimal | Rachel sampled the wine. It was sour.samplebeacidic very sour – used especially about liquids or things made with fruits such as oranges, lemons, or grapes: Some fruit juices taste a bit acidic.juicebitetangy having a taste that is pleasantly strong or sharp, and that often tastes a little sweet as well: The ribs are cooked in a tangy barbecue sauce.ribbecooktart having a taste that lacks sweetness – used especially about fruit such as apples, which you need to add sugar to: The pudding had rather a tart flavour.have | The trees were covered with tart wild plums.treebecoverplum
bitternounCollocations from other entriesThesaurus 1Word sets 1Phrases from this entrybitterbittersbitterbitter2 noun1[uncountable and countable] British English a type of dark beer that is popular in Britain, or a glass of this: A pint of bitter, please.2bitters [uncountable] a strong bitter liquid made from plants that is added to alcoholic drinks
verb [transitive]
Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: sustenir, from Latin sustinere ‘to hold up, sustain’, from sub- ‘up’ + tenere ‘to hold’ Verb form1make something continueCONTINUE/NOT STOP to make something continue to exist or happen for a period of time SYN maintain:
She found it difficult to sustain the children’s interest.findchildHe was incapable of sustaining close relationships with women.besustainrelationshipwomanthe policies necessary to sustain economic growthpolicy → sustained2suffer formalHARM/BE BAD FOR to suffer damage, an injury, or loss of money: Two of the firefighters sustained serious injuries.firefightersustaininjurySome nearby buildings sustained minor damage.buildingsustainThe company has sustained heavy financial losses this year.havesustainloss3food/drink formal if food or drink sustains a person, animal, or plant, it makes them able to continue living → sustenance: They gave me barely enough food to sustain me.give4give strength formalSTRONG PERSON to make someone feel strong and hopeful: The thought of seeing her again was all that sustained me.thinkseebesustain5weight formalSUPPORT/HOLD UP to hold up the weight of something SYN support: He leant against her so heavily that she could barely sustain his weight.leancan6idea formalSUPPORT A PERSON, GROUP, OR PLAN to support an idea or argument, or prove that it is right: This argument is difficult to sustain.be
verb [transitive]Word familyVerb form1CONTINUE/START AGAINto arrange for an agreement or official document to continue for a further period of timerenew sb’s contract/licence/membership etcI need to renew my passport this year.2CONTINUE/START AGAIN formal to begin doing something again after a period of not doing it SYN resume: Local people have renewed their efforts to save the school.reneweffortPolice renewed their appeal for witnesses.renewwitnessrenew a friendship/acquaintance etc (=become friendly with someone again)3REPLACEto remove something that is old or broken and put a new one in its place SYN replace: The window frames need to be renewed.framerenew4renew a book to arrange to borrow a library book for a further period of time
verb [transitive]Date: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: rapere ‘to seize’ Verb form to force someone to have sex, especially by using violence → rapist:
She had been raped and stabbed.haveberapestab
rapenounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Word sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesraperapesraperape2 nounSense 1,3:Date: 1400-1500
Origin: → RAPE1Sense 2:
Date: 1300-1400
Language: Latin
Origin: rapa 1[uncountable and countable] the crime of forcing someone to have sex, especially by using violence:
Police are investigating a series of violent rapes in the town.beinvestigaterapeHe was arrested and charged with rape.bearrestchargeHe always denied that he was guilty of rape.denybea rape victimthe gang rape of a 17-year-old girlHe was convicted of attempted rape.beconvictattempt2[uncountable] (also oilseed rape) a European plant with yellow flowers, grown as animal food and for its oil SYN canola American English3DESTROYthe rape of something the unnecessary destruction of something, especially the environment: companies which profit from the rape of the EarthcompanyTHESAURUSviolent crimesassault noun [uncountable and countable] the crime of physically attacking someone: He was arrested for an assault on a policeman.bearrestmugging noun [uncountable and countable] the crime of attacking and robbing someone in a public place: Muggings usually happen at night.muggingmurder noun [uncountable and countable] the crime of deliberately killing someone: He is accused of the murder of five women.beaccusewomanhomicide noun [uncountable and countable] especially American English law murder: Homicide rates are rising fastest amongst 15 to19-year-olds.rateberisefastrape noun [uncountable and countable] the crime of forcing someone to have sex: In most cases of rape, the victim knows her attacker.caseknow
noun
Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: passer; → PASS1 1in a building [countable] a long narrow area with walls on either side which connects one room or place to another → corridor:
My office is just along the passage.beWe walked down a narrow passage to the back of the building.walkbuildan underground passage2from a book etc [countable] a short part of a book, poem, speech, piece of music etcpassage from/ofHe read out a short passage from the Bible.3movement [uncountable] formalGO the movement of people or vehicles along a road or across an area of landpassage ofThe bridge isn’t strong enough to allow the passage of heavy vehicles.vehicleBoth sides agreed to allow the free passage of medical supplies into the area.sideagreesupplyHe was guaranteed safe passage out of the country.beguarantee4of a law [uncountable] when a new law is discussed and accepted by a parliament or Congresspassage throughThe bill was amended several times during its passage through Congress.beamendtimeThey are expecting the new legislation to have quite a rough passage (=be discussed and criticized a lot) through Parliament.beexpect5journey [countable] old-fashioned a journey on a shippassage toMy parents couldn’t afford the passage to America.parent6inside sb’s body [countable] a tube in your body that air or liquid can pass through: the nasal passagespassage7way through [singular]WAY/ROUTE a way through somethingpassage throughThe police forced a passage through the crowd.force8the passage of timePASS/TIME PASSING the passing of time: With the passage of time, things began to look more hopeful.thingbegin → rite of passage at rite(2)COLLOCATIONSadjectivesnarrow A narrow passage led to a small room at the back of the house.leaddark He groped his way along the dark passage.gropean underground/subterranean passage The air in these underground passages is cold and damp.passagebea secret passage The bookcase moved to reveal a secret passage.movephrasesa maze of passages (=many passages, in which it is easy to get lost) We wandered through a maze of passages.wanderpassage
noun [countable]Date: 1600-1700Language: Portuguese
Origin: tanque ‘pool’
1 a large container for storing liquid or gas: The water tank is leaking.beleakSomehow the chemical got from a storage tank into water supplies.getsupplyfish/marine/breeding tank (=for keeping or breeding fish in)the plane’s fuel tankpetrol tank British English gas tank American English2(also tankful)AMOUNT the amount of liquid or gas held in a tank: We set off next day on a full tank.tank ofa tankful of petrol3
a heavy military vehicle that has a large gun and runs on two metal belts fitted over its wheels4a large artificial pool for storing water5in the tank American English informal failing and losing moneybe/go in the tankSales can’t keep going up, but that doesn’t mean the industry is going in the tank.salegobego → think tank, septic tank, drunk tank
tankverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplestanktankstankedtankingtanktank2 verbVerb form1[intransitive] to decrease quickly or be very unsuccessful: Not long after the chairman resigned, shares in the company tanked.resignsharetank2[intransitive] British English informal to travel very fast in a car or vehicle3[intransitive] informal to fail badly and be very unsuccessful SYN flop: His last film tanked in the States, but did well in the UK.tankstatedo4(also tank it) [transitive] to deliberately lose a sports game that you could have wontank up phrasal verb especially American English to put petrol in your car so that the tank is full SYN fill up
verb (past tense and past participle regretted, present participle regretting) [transitive]Word familyDate: 1400-1500Language: Old French
Origin: regreter Verb form1REGRET/FEEL SORRYto feel sorry about something you have done and wish you had not done it:
Don’t do anything you might regret.regret doing somethingI regret leaving school so young.leaveregret (that)He was beginning to regret that he’d come along.bebegin2[not in progressive] formalREGRET/FEEL SORRY used in official letters or statements when saying that you are sorry or sad about something: We regret any inconvenience caused to our customers.causecustomerregret (that)I regret that I will be unable to attend.regret to say/inform/tellI regret to inform you that your contract will not be renewed.renewCOLLOCATIONSadverbsdeeply/greatly I deeply regretted what had happened.regrethavehappenbitterly (=with a feeling of great sadness) I bitterly regretted my decision to leave.regretsincerely The airline sincerely regrets any delays to passengers.regretdelaypassengervery much We very much regret that there will be job losses.lossinstantly/immediately ‘No,’ she blurted out, instantly regretting her response.blurtregretphraseslive to regret something (=regret it in the future) If you don’t go, you may live to regret it.
regretnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesregretregretsregretregret2 nounWord family1[countable usually plural, uncountable] sadness that you feel about something, especially because you wish it had not happenedregret aboutI have no regrets about leaving.regretleavegreat/deep regretShe has already expressed deep regret for what happened.haveexpresshappenwith regretI decided with some regret that it was time to move on.decidebeIt is with great regret that I must decline your offer.beto sb’s regretI lost touch with her, much to my regret.lose2give/send your regrets formalREJECT/NOT ACCEPT to say that you are unable to go to a meeting, accept an invitation etc: My father was ill and had to send his regrets.behaveregretCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesgreat/deep regret I accepted his resignation with great regret.acceptbitter regret (=when you feel sad and angry) To the bitter regret of his party, he refused to call an election.refusesb’s biggest regret Her biggest regret was not having children.bigbehavechildsb’s only regret My only regret is that my parents did not live to see this day.beparentdoverbshave regrets I have absolutely no regrets.regretexpress regret The President expressed his regret at the deaths.expressdeathphrasesa pang/twinge/stab of regret literary (=a sudden short feeling of regret) Kate watched her go with a pang of regret.watchTHESAURUSguilt the feeling you have when you have done something you know is wrong: Divorce often leaves people with feelings of guilt.leavefeelingshame the feeling of being guilty or embarrassed that you have after doing something that is wrong, when you feel you have lost people’s respect: I was too scared to help him, and I was filled with shame.bescarebefillregret a feeling of sadness about something, especially because you wish it had not happened: Kate watched her go with a pang of regret.watchremorse a strong feeling of being sorry for doing something very bad: a murderer who showed no remorseshowcontrition formal a feeling of being guilty and sorry for something wrong that you have done: The company CEO expressed contrition for the errors that led to the crash.expresserrorlead | He sounded full of contrition.sound | They wanted to perform some kind of act of contrition (=do something that shows you feel sorry for something ).wantpenitence formal a feeling of being sorry for something that you have done wrong, when you do not intend to do it again: He expressed genuine penitence at the harm he had done her.expresshavedo | a period of reflection and penitenceconscience the part of your mind that tells you whether what you are doing is morally right or wrong: My conscience has been troubling me ever since.havebetrouble
adjectiveDate: 1700-1800Language: Latin
Origin: ‘earlier, older, higher in rank’, from Latin pri ‘before’ 1BUSY/NOT AVAILABLEexisting or arranged before something else or before the present situation SYN previous:
You do not need any prior knowledge of the subject.Changes may not be made without the prior approval of the council.changemakeVegetarian meals are provided by prior agreement.mealbeprovideSome prior experience with the software is needed.beneed2prior warning/noticeBEFORE a warning or announcement made before something happens: The society must give customers prior notice before changing the cost.customerchangeThe bomb exploded without any prior warning.explodewarn3prior to something formalBEFORE before: All the arrangements should be completed prior to your departure.arrangementshallcomplete4prior claim a person’s right to something which is considered more important than another person’s right to the same thing: His own children have a prior claim to the business.childCOLLOCATIONSnounsprior knowledge He denied that he had prior knowledge of the robbery.denyhaveprior approval/consent/permission A sale of the factory will need the prior approval of shareholders.shareholderprior agreement We will not disclose this information without your prior agreement.prior experience He had no prior experience of teaching.haveteacha prior engagement formal (=an event that you have already promised to attend) The Prime Minister was unable to attend owing to a prior engagement.beowephrasesby prior arrangement Visitors can tour the burial tombs by prior arrangement.visitortomb
priornounCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Corpus examplespriorpriorspriorprior2 noun [countable]Sense 1-2:Date: 1900-2000
Origin: → PRIOR1Sense 3:
Date: 1000-1100
Language: Medieval Latin
Origin: Latin (adjective); → PRIOR1 1the man in charge of a priory2the priest next in rank to the person in charge of an abbey3informal a previous occasion when someone was found guilty of a crime:
two priors for homicideprior
verb [transitive]Word familyDate: 1500-1600Language: Latin
Origin: past participle of praedicere ‘to say beforehand’ Verb form PREDICTto say that something will happen, before it happens → prediction:
Sales were five percent lower than predicted.salebelowpredictpredict (that)Newspapers predicted that Davis would be re-elected.newspaperpredictwillelectpredict whether/what/how etcIt is difficult to predict what the long-term effects of the accident will be.beeffectAs Liz had predicted, the rumours were soon forgotten.havepredictrumourbeforgetbe predicted to do somethingUnemployment is predicted to increase to 700,000 by the end of the year.bepredictTHESAURUSpredict to say that something will happen, before it happens: In the future, it may be possible to predict earthquakes.earthquake | Scientists are trying to predict what the Amazon will look like in 20 years' time.scientistbetryyearforecast to say what is likely to happen in the future, especially in relation to the weather or the economic or political situation: They’re forecasting a hard winter.forecast | Economists forecast that there would be a recession.economistwillproject to say what the amount, size, cost etc of something is likely to be in the future, using the information you have now: The world’s population is projected to rise by 45%.beprojectcan say especially spoken be able to know what will happen in the future: No one can say what the next fifty years will bring.year | I can’t say exactly how much it will cost.foretell to say correctly what will happen in the future, using special religious or magical powers: The woman claimed that she had the gift of foretelling the future.claimhaveforetell | It all happened as the prophet had foretold.happenhaveforetellprophesy to say that something will happen because you feel that it will, or by using special religious or magical powers: He’s one of those people who are always prophesying disaster.beprophesy | The coming of a great Messiah is prophesied in the Bible.comebeprophesy | He prophesied that the world would end in 2012.prophesywill | Marx prophesied that capitalism would destroy itself.prophesywillforesee to know that something is going to happen before it happens: They should have foreseen these problems.shallforeseeproblem | No one foresaw the outcome of the war.foreseehave a premonition to have a strange feeling that something is about to happen, especially something bad, usually just before it happens: Suddenly I had a strange premonition of danger ahead.have
noun [countable]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: cu
1 a large female animal that is kept on farms and used to produce milk or meat → bull2 a male or female animal of this type → bull: a herd of cowscow3the female of some large animals, such as the elephant or the whale → bull4UNPLEASANT British English spoken not polite an offensive word for a woman who you think is stupid or unpleasant5have a cowSURPRISED informal to be very angry or surprised about something6till the cows come home informalLONG TIME for a very long time, or for ever → cash cow, mad cow disease, sacred cowCOLLOCATIONStypes of cow dairy cows (=kept for their milk) He keeps a herd of dairy cows.keepcowbeef cows (=kept for their meat) They are a well-known breed of beef cow.beknowverbsmilk a cow (=get the milk from a cow) Once a day, the cows are brought in to be milked.cowbebringmilka cow moos (=makes a long low sound) I could hear cows mooing in the barn.cancowmooa cow grazes (=eats the grass) Cows were grazing peacefully in the meadows.cowbegrazemeadowa cow calves (=produces a calf, a young cow) At this time of year the cows are calving.cowbecalvephrasesa herd of cows (=a group that are together somewhere) We had to wait while a farmer brought a herd of cows across the bridge.havebringcow
cowverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescowcowscowedcowingcowcow2 verb [transitive usually passive]Date: 1500-1600Origin: Probably from a Scandinavian language Verb form THREATENto frighten someone in order to make them do somethingcow somebody into something
The protesters had been cowed into submission by the police.protesterhavebecow
nounDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: Latin salsa, from sallere ‘to add salt to’, from sal ‘salt’ 1[uncountable and countable] a thick cooked liquid that is served with food to give it a particular tastetomato/cheese/wine etc sauce
vanilla ice cream with chocolate saucespaghetti saucessauce2[uncountable] British English old-fashionedRUDE/IMPOLITE rude remarks made to someone that you should respect: Less of your sauce, my girl!little3what’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander used to say that if one person is treated in a particular way, other people should be treated in the same way
nounWord family1[uncountable and countable]UP a move to a more important job or position in a company or organization: I want a job with good prospects for promotion.prospectpromotion toYour promotion to Senior Editor is now official.be2[uncountable and countable] an activity intended to help sell a product, or the product that is being promoted: a winter sales promotionsale3[uncountable] the activity of persuading people to support somethingpromotion ofthe promotion of energy conservation4[uncountable]HELP the activity of helping something to develop or increasepromotion ofthe promotion of international environmental cooperation5[uncountable] British English when a sports team moves into a better group of teams OPP relegationTHESAURUSadvertisement: an advertisement for shampoo | They placed an advertisement in the newspaper.placead informal an advertisement: She’s been in several TV ads.beadadvert British English an advertisement: a job advert | He took out a front-page advert for his shop.takecommercial an advertisement on television or radio: television commercialscommercial | He was in some commercials for beer.becommercialtrailer an advertisement in the cinema, on television, or online for a film or programme which will be shown soon: A second trailer for Richard Friedman’s film has just been added to the website.havebeaddpromotion a series of advertisements for a company’s products: The company has spent more than $300 million on promotions for the brand.havespendpromotionposter an advertisement on a wall: They selected a famous artist to do the poster for the upcoming performance.selectbillboard (also hoarding British English) a large sign next to a road, with an advertisement on it: billboard advertisementsadvertisement | A huge hoarding shows two contrasting images.hoardshowcontrastimageflyer a piece of paper with an advertisement on it, often given to you in the street: Someone was handing out flyers for a new nightclub.behandflyerbanner ad an advertisement across the top of a page on the Internet: Banner ads are becoming more sophisticated.adbebecomejunk mail unwanted advertisements that you get in the post: I never read junk mail.spam unwanted emails advertising things: I’m trying to delete all the spam.tryclassified ad (also want ad American English, small ad British English) a short advertisement that you put in a newspaper if you want to buy or sell something: The bike was advertised for sale in the small ads section.beadvertisead
verb [transitive]Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: preisier, from Late Latin pretiare ‘to value highly’, from Latin pretium; → PRICE1 Verb form1PRAISEto say that you admire and approve of someone or something, especially publicly OPP criticize:
Jane was praised by her teacher.bepraisepraise somebody/something for (doing) somethingThe Mayor praised the rescue teams for their courage.praiseteama highly praised novelpraisepraise somebody/something to the skies (=praise someone or something very much)2PRAISEto give thanks to God and show your respect to Him, especially by singing in a church3God/Heaven be praised (also Praise the Lord)HAPPY used to say that you are pleased something has happened and thank God for itTHESAURUSpraise to say that you admire and approve of someone or something, especially publicly: The film was praised by the critics when it first came out.bepraisecriticcome | The report praises staff in both schools.praiseschool | It’s important to praise children.childcongratulate to tell someone that you think it is good that they have achieved something: I congratulated him on his success.congratulate | The government should be congratulated for what they have achieved.shallcongratulateachievecompliment to say to someone that you like how they look, or you like something they have done: She complimented me on my new hairstyle.compliment | He complimented my cooking.complimentcookflatter to praise someone in order to please them or get something from them, even though you do not mean it: He had persuaded her to buy it by flattering her and being charming.havepersuadeflatterbecharm | You’re just flattering me!flatterrave about something (also enthuse about something formal) to talk about something you enjoy or admire in an excited way, and say that it is very good. Rave is rather informal, whereas enthuse is much more formal and is used mainly in written English: Everyone is raving about the movie.berave | She enthused about the joys of motherhood.enthusejoyapplaud formal to publicly praise a decision, action, idea etc: Business leaders applauded the decision.leaderapplaud | A spokeperson applauded the way the festival had been run.applaudhavebecommend formal to praise someone or something, especially officially: After the battle, Andrew Jackson commended him for ‘his courage and fidelity’.commend | The officers should be commended for their prompt action.officershallcommendhail somebody/something as something especially written to describe someone or something in a way that shows you have a very good opinion of them, especially in newspapers, on television reports etc: The book was hailed as a masterpiece.behail | Journalists and music writers hailed the band as ‘the next big thing’.journalistwriterhail | He is being hailed as the new James Dean.bebehail
praisenounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplespraisepraisespraisepraise2 W3 noun [uncountable]1PRAISEwords that you say or write in order to praise someone or something OPP criticism: It's important to give children plenty of praise and encouragement.childHer teacher was full of praise for her work.beHis first novel received high praise.receiveGregory was singled out (= he was chosen in particular) for special praise .besingleThe film has won praise from audiences and critics alike.havewinaudiencecriticin praise of somebody/somethingHe wrote a poem in praise of his hero.write2PRAISETHANKthe expression of respect and thanks to God: Let us give praise unto the Lord.songs of praisesong3praise be! old-fashionedHAPPY used when you are very pleased about something that has happened → sing sb’s praises at sing(4)COLLOCATIONSverbsgive somebody praise Give your dog plenty of praise when it behaves well.behaveget praise His actions did not get the praise they deserved.actiondodeservewin/earn/receive praise The trade deal won praise from the American business community.windeserve praise She deserves praise for all the charity work she does.deservedobe singled out for praise (=be the one person who is praised) His work was singled out for praise by the examiners.besingleexaminerheap/lavish praise on somebody (=praise them a lot) Ireland's manager has heaped praise on his team.haveheapshower somebody with praise (=praise them a lot) Taiwan's media lately showered praise on Li Yundi, the 18-year-old piano prodigy.mediumshoweradjectiveshigh praise (=a lot of praise) The film won high praise from critics and audiences alike.wincriticaudiencespecial praise My sister was constantly singled out for special praise.besinglelavish praise (=very high praise) United’s captain received lavish praise from his manager.unitereceivefaint praise (=comments that seem to praise someone, but in a way that does not really give them much praise) He wins faint praise as ‘the only candidate with a grain of sense’.winphrasesbe full of praise for somebody (=praise them a lot) Captain Jones was full of praise for his men.bemanhave nothing but praise for somebody/something (=praise them a lot, especially when they have had to deal with a difficult situation) Passengers had nothing but praise for the pilot.passengerhavewords of praise She still had some words of praise for her ex-husband’s wit and charm.haveword
noun [countable]Sense 1-5:Date: 1300-1400
Language: Old French
Origin: rai, from Latin radius; → RADIUSSense 6:
Date: 1300-1400
Language: Old French
Origin: raie, from Latin raia 1LIGHTa straight narrow beam of light from the sun or moon:
The room darkened as a cloud hid the sun’s rays.darkenhiderayray ofRays of light filtered through the trees.rayfiltertree2a beam of heat, electricity, or other form of energy → cosmic ray, gamma ray, x-ray13a ray of hope/light etcHOPE something that provides a small amount of hope or happiness in a difficult situation: a treatment that offers a ray of hope for cancer sufferersoffersufferer4a ray of sunshineGOOD/EXCELLENT someone who is happy and makes a difficult situation seem better5catch some/a few rays informal to sit or lie in the sun: Let’s go out and catch a few rays.ray6a large flat sea fish with a long pointed tail
nounDate: 1500-1600Language: French
Origin: alarme, from Old Italian all' arme ‘to the weapon’ 1[countable] a piece of equipment that makes a loud noise to warn you of danger:
I forgot to set the burglar alarm.forgetCar alarms are always going off in the street.alarmbegoa sophisticated alarm system2[uncountable]FRIGHTENED a feeling of fear or worry because something bad or dangerous might happenalarm atThere is growing alarm at the increase in crime.begrowin alarmShe looked up in alarm.lookScientists have said there is no cause for alarm.scientistsaybe3
[countable] an alarm clock: I’ve set the alarm for 7 o'clock.I was still asleep when the alarm went off.bego4raise/sound the alarmWARN especially British English to warn people that something bad is happening: Neighbours raised the alarm when they smelled smoke.neighbourraisesmell5alarm bells ring if alarm bells ring, you feel worried that something bad may be happening: Alarm bells started to ring when he failed to return home.bellstartfail → false alarmCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + alarma burglar alarm Neighbours heard the burglar alarm and called the police.neighbourhearcallan intruder/a security alarm The house has a system of security alarms.havealarma fire/smoke alarm A fire alarm went off and the building had to be evacuated.gobuildhaveevacuatea car alarm (=for when someone tries to steal a car) I was woken by a car alarm in the middle of the night.bewakea baby alarm (=for when a baby wakes up and cries) Is the baby alarm switched on?beswitcha personal alarm (=that you carry with you in case you are attacked) If you are nervous, invest in a personal alarm.bealarm + NOUNan alarm button He hit the alarm button under the desk.an alarm system an electronic burglar alarm systemverbsset off/trigger/activate the alarm (=make it start ringing) A window blew open, setting off the alarm.blowsetset the alarm (=make it ready to operate) Did you set the burglar alarm?doan alarm goes off (also an alarm sounds formal) The thieves fled when an alarm went off.thievefleegoswitch/turn off the alarm I entered the shop and switched off the alarm.enterswitchTHESAURUSfear a feeling of being frightened: He was trembling with fear.betremble | Fear of failure should not stop you trying.shalltryterror a feeling of great fear, because you think that something terrible is about to happen: She let out a scream of pure terror.fright a sudden feeling of fear, or a situation that makes you feel this: My body was shaking with fright.beshake | You gave me a fright!give | He’s had a bit of fright, that’s all.havebitepanic a sudden feeling of fear or nervousness that makes you unable to think clearly or behave sensibly: She was in such a panic that she hardly knew what she was doing!beknowbedo | There were scenes of sheer panic immediately following the bomb blast.bescenefollowalarm a feeling of fear or worry which shows in your voice or behaviour, because you think something bad might happen: When I mentioned her name, he looked up at me in alarm.mentionlook | The streets were calm and there was no sign of alarm.streetbebeforeboding /fɔːˈbəʊdɪŋ $ fɔːrˈboʊ-/ a feeling that something bad or unpleasant might happen although there is no obvious reason why it should: She felt the same sense of foreboding she had before her father died.feelforebodehavediephobia /ˈfəʊbiə $ ˈfoʊ-/ a permanent strong unreasonable fear of something: I had a phobia about going to the dentist.havego
alarmverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesalarmalarmsalarmedalarmingalarmalarm2 verb [transitive]Verb form WORRIEDto make someone feel worried or frightened: I don’t want to alarm you, but I can’t find the key.THESAURUSfrighten to make someone feel afraid: The thought of being in court frightened him.thinkbefrightenscare especially spoken to frighten someone. Scare is less formal than frighten, and is the usual word to use in everyday English: He was driving fast just to scare us.bedrive | It scared him to think that his mother might never recover.scareterrify to make someone feel extremely frightened: The idea of going down into the caves terrified her.gocaveterrify | Robbers terrified bank staff by threatening them at gunpoint.robberterrifythreatengive somebody a fright to make someone suddenly feel frightened in a way that makes their heart beat more quickly: It gave me a terrible fright when I found him unconscious on the floor.givefindgive somebody the creeps if a person or place gives you the creeps, they make you feel slightly frightened because they are strange: This house gives me the creeps.givecreepstartle to frighten someone. Used when you suddenly see someone and did not know they were there, or when you suddenly hear something: I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. | The noise startled him, and he dropped his glass on the floor.startledropalarm to make someone feel frightened and worried that something bad might happen: I didn’t want to alarm her by calling in the middle of the night.callintimidate to deliberately frighten someone, especially so that they will do what you want: Many of the gangs were using dogs to intimidate people.gangbeusedog
adjective (comparative rarer, superlative rarest)Word familySense 1,3:Date: 1400-1500
Language: Latin
Origin: rarusSense 2:
Date: 1600-1700
Origin: rear ‘lightly cooked’ (15-19 centuries), from Old English hrer 1RAREnot seen or found very often, or not happening very often OPP common → unusual:
This species of plant is becoming increasingly rare.bebecomeI only saw Helen on the rare occasions when I went into her shop.seeoccasiongoit is rare (for somebody/something) to do somethingIt is rare to find such an interesting group of people.beinterestIt is very rare for her to miss a day at school.be2meat that is rare has only been cooked for a short time and is still red → underdone, well-done: I like my steak rare.3[only before noun] British English old-fashionedGOOD/EXCELLENT very good or surprising: We had a rare old time at the party.haveTHESAURUSrare not existing in large numbers or in large amounts: The law prevents the export of rare birds.preventbird | The plates are quite rare. Only about a hundred were made.platebebemakescarce not available in large enough numbers or amounts at a particular time – used especially about things people need: After the war, food and clothing were scarce.clothebe | People are having to compete for scarce resources.behaveresourcenot common [not before noun] fairly rare: Silver coins of this period are not common, and could be very valuable.coinbecaninfrequent formal not happening often: As time went on, her visits became more and more infrequent.govisitbecomebe few and far between to not be common – especially much less common than you might expect: Luckily, accidents such as these are few and far between.accidentbe | Bargains are, unfortunately, few and far between.bargainbebe (something of) a rarity if something or someone is a rarity, it is surprising to find one, because very few exist: Women are still something of a rarity in senior management positions.womanbepositionbe like hen’s teeth informal to be extremely rare: Good Greek restaurants are like hen’s teeth around here.restaurantbetooth
noun [countable]
Date: 1500-1600Language: French
Origin: plateforme ‘diagram, map’, from plat ‘flat’ + forme ‘form’ 1train especially British English the raised place beside a railway track where you get on and off a train in a station:
The Edinburgh train will depart from platform six.2for speeches a stage for people to stand on when they are making a speech, performing etc: a small raised platform at one end of the roomraise3politics a)[usually singular]IDEA the main ideas and aims of a political party, especially the ones that they state just before an election → plank: a strong women’s rights platformwomanrightthe Labour party platform b)CHANCE/OPPORTUNITYa chance for someone to express their opinions, especially their political opinionsplatform forThe conference provides a platform for people on the left wing of the party.provideleave4structure a tall structure built so that people can stand or work above the surrounding area: an oil exploration platform5computers the type of computer system or software that someone uses: the UNIX platforma multimedia platform6express ideas an opportunity to express your ideas to a large number of peopleplatform forWe mustn’t give these groups a platform for their propaganda.group7bus British English the open part at the back of some double-decker buses, where passengers get on and off8shoes platforms (also platform shoes) [plural] shoes that have a thick layer of wood, leather etc under the front part and the heelTHESAURUSstation a place where trains or buses regularly stop: The town has its own railway station.have | Paddington Station in west London | the bus stationterminus the station or stop at the end of a railway or bus line: We’ve arranged to meet her at the Victoria bus terminus.arrange | the railway terminus in central Calcuttatrack [usually plural] the metal lines along which trains travel. This is sometimes used in American English to say which part of a station a train will leave from: The passenger train, traveling at 120 mph, careered off the tracks.travelcareertrackplatform the raised place beside a railway track where you get on and off a train in a station – used especially to say which part of a station a train will leave from: Trains for Oxford leave from Platform 2.trainticket office (also booking office British English) the place at a station where tickets are sold: You can buy rail tickets online or at the ticket office.ticketdepartures board British English (also departure board American English) a board saying when and from which part of a station each train will leave: The departures board said that the train was ten minutes late.departuresaybeminute
noun
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: streng
1thread [uncountable and countable] a strong thread made of several threads twisted together, used for tying or fastening things → rope: Her key hung on a string around her neck.hanga ball of stringI need a piece of string to tie this package.2group/series [countable] a)SERIESa number of similar things or events coming one after another SYN seriesstring ofa string of hit albumsalbum b)GROUP OF THINGSa group of similar thingsstring ofShe owns a string of health clubs.ownclub c)technical a group of letters, words, or numbers, especially in a computer program3no strings (attached)CONDITION/STH THAT MUST BE DONE having no special conditions or limits on an agreement, relationship etc: The policy offers 15% interest, with no strings attached.offerstringattach4string of pearls/lights/beads etc several objects of the same type connected with a thread, chain etc5music a)[countable] one of the long thin pieces of wire, nylon etc that are stretched across a musical instrument and produce sound b)the strings/the string section the people in an orchestra or band who play musical instruments that have strings, such as violins6first-string/second-string etc relating to or being a member of a team or group with the highest, second highest etc level of skill: a first-string quarterback7have somebody on a string informalOBEY to be able to make someone do whatever you want: Susie has her mother on a string.have8have more than one string to your bow British EnglishGOOD AT to have more than one skill, idea, plan etc that you can use if you need to → G-string, → how long is a piece of string? at long1(9), → pull strings at pull1(8), → pull the/sb’s strings at pull1(9), → the purse strings at purse1(5)
stringverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesstringstringsstrungstringingstringstring2 verb (past tense and past participle strung /strʌŋ/) [transitive]Verb form1PUTto put things together onto a thread, chain etc: beads strung on a silver chainbeadstring2[always + adverb/preposition] to hang things in a line, usually high in the air, especially for decorationstring something along/across etc somethingChristmas lights were strung from one end of Main Street to the other.lightbestring3be strung (out) along/across etc something written to be spread out in a line: the houses and shops were strung out along the bayhouseshopbestring4to put a string or a set of strings onto a musical instrument → highly-strung at highlystring along phrasal verb informal1string somebody alongTRICK/DECEIVE to deceive someone for a long time by making them believe that you will help them, that you love them etc: He’s just stringing you along.string2British EnglishWITH to go somewhere with someone for a short time, especially because you do not have anything else to dostring along withIf you’re going into town, I’ll string along with you.gostring something ↔ out phrasal verb informalLONG TIME to make something continue longer than it should: Rebel leaders attempted to string out negotiations to avoid reaching a settlement.leaderattemptnegotiationreachstring something ↔ together phrasal verb1string words/a sentence togetherLOGICAL to manage to say or write something that other people can understand: He was so drunk he could hardly string two words together.bedrinkcanword2to combine things in order to make something that is complete, good, useful etc: They string together image after image until the documentary is completed.becompletestring somebody ↔ up phrasal verb informal KILLto kill someone by hanging them → strung-up
nounWord family1[countable] music, speech, or images that have been stored on tape or discsrecording ofHave you heard the new recording of Mozart’s Requiem?hearrecorda video recording of the interviewrecord2[uncountable] the act of storing sound or images on tape or discsrecording studio/equipment etc (=a studio etc used for recording music)
noun [countable]Word family SINGsomeone who singspop/opera/folk etc singerher favourite pop singera famous Italian opera singeropusthe lead singer (=main singer) of SladeTina Turner’s backing singers (=people who sing with her)backsinger
noun (plural pregnancies) [uncountable and countable] BABY/HAVE A BABYwhen a woman is pregnant (=has a baby growing inside her body): This drug should not be taken during pregnancy.shalltakeher third pregnancyteenage pregnanciespregnancya pregnancy test
nounDate: 1500-1600Origin: Probably from rear- (in words such as rearguard) 1formal the rearBACK OF STHBEHIND the back part of an object, vehicle, or building, or a position at the back of an object or area OPP frontat/to the rear (of something)
a garden at the rear of the houseThe hotel overlooks the river to the rear.overlookin the rear (of something)a passenger travelling in the rear of a cartravel2[countable] (also rear end) informal the part of your body which you sit on SYN bottom3bring up the rearLAST to be at the back of a line of people or in a race: Carole was left to bring up the rear.beleave
rearverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesrearrearsrearedrearingrearrear2 verbLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: ræran Verb form1[transitive] to look after a person or animal until they are fully grown SYN raise:
It’s a good place to rear young children.childThe birds have been successfully reared in captivity.birdberear2[intransitive] (also rear up)UP if an animal rears, it rises up to stand on its back legs → buck: The horse reared and threw me off.rearthrow3[intransitive] (also rear up) if something rears up, it appears in front of you and often seems to be leaning over you in a threatening way: A large rock, almost 200 feet high, reared up in front of them.footrear4be reared on something to be given a particular kind of food, books, entertainment etc regularly while you are a child: children reared on TV and video gameschildreargame5rear its ugly headPROBLEM if a problem or difficult situation rears its ugly head, it appears and is impossible to ignore: The problem of drug-taking in sport has reared its ugly head again.takehaverear
rearadjectiveCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesrearrearerrearrestrearrear3 adjective [only before noun] BACK OF STHat or near the back of something, especially a vehicle OPP front: the rear door of the carKnock at the rear entrance.
adjective
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: seoc 1illILL especially American English suffering from a disease or illness:
His mother’s very sick.Maria can’t come in today because she’s sick.a sick childa sick animalsick withI have been sick with flu.beget sick (=become ill) American English: At the last minute, I got sick and couldn’t go.getbe off sick British English be out sick American English (=be away from work or school because you are ill)Two of his employees were out sick.employeebeI was off sick for four days with the flu.bedayphone/ring/call in sick (=phone to say you are not coming to work because you are ill)He was upset because it was the first day of the sale and Astrid had called in sick.bebehavecallWhat will happen to the business if you fall sick (=become ill) or die?He took sick (=became ill) and died a week later.takedielatePete’s at home in bed, sick as a dog (=very sick).2be sickSICK/VOMIT if you are sick, the food in your stomach comes up through your mouth SYN vomit, throw up: I think I’m going to be sick.goHe dashed to the bathroom and was sick again.dashbeThe cat’s been sick on the carpet.beYou’ll be sick if you eat any more of that chocolate!I was violently sick (=suddenly and severely sick) the last time I ate prawns.beeatprawn3feel sick (also be/feel sick to your stomach American English)SICK/VOMIT to feel as if you are going to vomit: As soon as the ship started moving I began to feel sick.startmovebeginfeel sick withMary felt sick with fear.feelShe began to shiver, feeling sick to her stomach.beginfeelVirginia had a sick feeling in her stomach.havefeel → carsick, seasick, → travel-sick at travel sickness4make me/you sick spoken a)ANGRYto make you feel very angry: People like you make me sick! b)JEALOUSANGRYto make you feel jealous – used humorously: You make me sick with your ‘expenses paid’ holidays!expensepayholiday5make somebody/yourself sick British English a)if something makes you sick, it makes you bring food up from your stomach through your mouth: The smell of blood made him sick.make b)if you make yourself sick, you do something to bring food up from your stomach through your mouth: I’ve never been able to make myself sick.beYou’ll make yourself sick if you eat any more!6be sick (and tired) of (doing) something (also be sick to death of (doing) something)FED UP spoken to be angry or bored with something that has been happening for a long time: I’m sick and tired of your excuses.tireexcuseI am sick of working for other people.bework7be worried sick/be sick with worryWORRIED to be extremely worried: Why didn’t you tell me you were coming home late? I’ve been worried sick!becomebeworry8strange/cruel a)STRANGEsomeone who is sick does things that are strange and cruel, and seems mentally ill: I keep getting obscene phone calls from some sick pervert.getcallYou’re sick!a sick mind b)CRUELsick stories, jokes etc deal with death and suffering in a cruel or unpleasant way: I don’t want to hear any of your sick jokes, thank you.jokeThat’s really sick!9sick at heart literaryUPSET very unhappy, upset, or disappointed about something: I was sick at heart to think that I would never see the place again.bewill10sick as a parrot British English spokenDISAPPOINTED extremely disappointed – used humorously11[not before noun] British English spoken used by young people to say that something is very impressive and they admire it a lotCOLLOCATIONSverbsget sick (=become ill) The boy got sick, and he just got worse and worse.getgetillillfall/take sick formal (=become ill, especially with something serious or that will last a long time) He fell sick and died within a matter of weeks.falldieweekbe off sick British English, be out sick American English (=be away from work or school because you are ill) Half my staff were off sick.becall/phone/ring in sick (=phone to say you are not coming in to work because you are ill) I could have called in sick, but I knew you needed this report.cancallknowneedsick + NOUNsick leave (=time that you can stay away from work because you are ill) He returned to duty after two months’ sick leave.returnmonthsick pay (=money paid to an employee who is too ill to work) Only full-time employees got sick pay.employeegetsomebody's sick bed (=the bed where a sick person is lying) He left his sick bed to play in the game.leavethe sick room (=the room where a sick person is) She had spent the last hour in her mother’s sick room.havespendthe sick bay (=a room where there are beds for people who are sick, for example on a ship or in a school) I was confined to the ship's sick bay until we arrived back in Liverpool.beconfinearriveTHESAURUSill [not before noun] especially British English suffering from a disease or not feeling well: Her mother is seriously ill in hospital.be | I woke up feeling really ill.wakefeelsick especially American English ill: She’s been sick with the flu.be | a sick child | Dan got sick on vacation.getnot very well [not before noun] ill, but not seriously ill: Sarah’s not very well – she has a throat infection.haveunwell [not before noun] formal ill: The singer had been unwell for some time.havebe | Symptoms include fever, aching muscles, and feeling generally unwell.symptomachemusclefeelpoorly [not before noun] British English spoken ill: Your grandmother’s been very poorly lately.bein a bad way [not before noun] very ill because of a serious injury or disease: You’d better call an ambulance – she looks like she’s in a bad way.welllookbe off sick British English, be out sick American English to be not at work because of an illness: Two teachers were off sick yesterday.teacherbe
sicknounCollocations from other entriesActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplessicksickssicksick2 nounWord family1the sick [plural]ILL people who are ill: The sick and wounded were allowed to go free.woundbeallow2[uncountable] British English informalSICK/VOMIT vomit: The phone box smelt of sick.smell
sickverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriessicksickssickedsickingsicksick3 verbVerb formsick something ↔ up phrasal verb British English informal SICK/VOMITto bring up food from your stomach – used especially of children SYN vomit up American English: Ruth had frequently sicked up her bottle milk.havesick
nounWord family1JOB/WORK[countable] a job that needs a high level of education and trainingthe legal/medical/teaching etc professionmembers of the teaching professionmemberteachenter/go into/join a professionSome students enter other professions such as arts administration.studentprofessionartpeople who work in the professions (=doctors, lawyers etc)professionby professionJohnson was a barrister by profession.benurses, social workers, and other people in the caring professions (=ones that involve looking after people)nurseworkercareprofession2JOB/WORK[singular, also + plural verb British English] all the people who work in a particular profession: the medical profession3OPINION[countable] formal a statement of your belief, opinion, or feelingprofession ofa profession of faith4the oldest profession the job of being a prostitute – used humorouslyCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2ADJECTIVES/NOUN + professionthe legal profession He followed his father into the legal profession.followthe medical profession The medical profession is still divided about the main cause of heart attacks.bedivideattackthe teaching profession There are not enough physicists entering the teaching profession.bephysicistenterteachthe accountancy/accounting profession Many economics graduates enter the accountancy profession.graduatethe nursing profession Mary had retired from the nursing profession.haveretirenursethe caring professions (=ones that involve looking after people) A high proportion of people in the caring professions are women.careprofessionbewomanverbsenter/go into/join a profession Hugh intended to enter the medical profession.intendleave a profession Why do you want to leave the profession?phrasesa member of a profession Some members of the medical profession supported the use of these drugs.membersupportdrugreach/be at the top of your profession He was a very highly respected man, at the top of his profession.berespectTHESAURUSjob noun [countable] the regular paid work that you do for an employer: a full-time job | John got a job in a car factory.getwork noun [uncountable] activities that you are paid for doing – used either when you work for an employer or when you work in your own business: I started work when I was 18.startbe | He graduated from college last year and is still looking for work.graduatebelookprofession noun [countable] a job for which you need special education and training: There are now a lot more women in the legal profession.bewoman | Many teachers are leaving the profession.teacherbeleaveoccupation noun [countable] formal a job, or a type of job – often used on official documents: Please give your name, age, and occupation. | a traditionally male occupationcareer noun [countable] the work you do or plan to do for most of your life: I’m interested in a career in journalism.interestposition noun [countable] formal a particular job within an organization: I am writing to apply for the position of technical assistant.bewrite | We regret that the position has already been filled.havebefill | Please state the position which you are applying for.beapplypost noun [countable] formal a job, especially an important one in a large organization: She has held the post of managing director for two years.haveholdmanageyear | He applied for the post of Senior Manager.applyvacancy/opening noun [countable] a job that is available for someone to do: The hospital has been unable to fill the vacancy.havebe | There are very few openings in scientific research.beopeningappointment noun [countable] an important job which someone is asked to do: He took an appointment as US trade ambassador in Geneva.takeposting noun [countable] a situation in which someone is sent somewhere to do a job for a period of time by the organization they work for: This was his first posting outside the UK.bepost | an overseas postingpost | His next posting took him to the Ministry of Defence.posttaketrade noun [countable] a job that involves using your hands, and for which you need special training: Most of the men had worked in skilled trades such as carpentry and printing.manhaveworktradprintemployment noun [uncountable] the fact of having a job: The factory will provide employment for local people. | She was offered employment in the sales office.beoffersale
adjective [no comparative]Date: 1500-1600Language: Latin
Origin: superbus ‘proud, grand’, from super; → SUPER- GOOD/EXCELLENTextremely good SYN excellent:
The food was superb.besuperb weather—superblysuperbly adverb
noun
Word family1of a word/sign etc [uncountable and countable]MEANING the thing or idea that a word, expression, or sign representsmeaning ofI don’t know the precise meaning of the word ‘gleaned’.meanglean2ideas in speech/book etc [uncountable and countable]MEANING the thoughts or ideas that someone wants you to understand from what they say, do, write etcmeaning ofThe meaning of her words was clear. We’d lost our jobs.meanwordbelosejobmeaning behindShe hardly dared to understand the meaning behind his statement.daremean3what’s the meaning of this? spokenEXPLAIN used to demand an explanation: What’s the meaning of this? I asked you to be here an hour ago!meanask4purpose/special quality [uncountable]PURPOSE the quality that makes life, work etc seem to have a purpose or value: Life seemed to have lost its meaning since Janet’s death.seemlosemeanHer studies no longer seemed to have any meaning.studylongseemmeanFor many people it is religion that gives meaning to their existence.begivemean5true nature [uncountable]MEANING the true nature and importance of somethingmeaning ofWe seem to have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas.forgetmean6(not) know the meaning of somethingUNDERSTAND to have, or not have, experience and understanding of a particular situation or feeling: Living in a war zone, the children knew the meaning of fear.livechildknowmeanGuilty! She doesn’t know the meaning of the word!meanCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2verbshave a meaning The same word may have several different meanings.meaningtake on a meaning (=begin to have a new meaning) The word ‘chaos’ has taken on a special scientific meaning.havetakemeanunderstand the meaning The pictures help the children understand the meanings of the words.picturechildmeaningwordknow the meaning Do you know the meaning of the word ‘paraphrase’?meanget sb’s meaning (also take sb’s meaning British English) (=understand what someone is saying in an indirect way) He’s not like other people, if you get my meaning.meangrasp the meaning (=begin to understand the meaning) She suddenly grasped the meaning of his frantic gestures.graspmeangesturecarry meaning (also bear a meaning formal) (=have a meaning) In conversation, even a pause may carry meaning.meanconvey meaning (=express a meaning) the use of hand signals to convey meaningsignalmeanadjectivesprecise/specific/exact The term ‘stress’ has a precise meaning to an engineer.havemeana hidden meaning She felt there was a hidden meaning behind his words.feelbehidemeanworda double meaning (=two meanings at the same time) Everything he said had a double meaning.sayhavemeanthe literal meaning The literal meaning of ‘telephone’ is ‘far-away sound’.meanbethe ordinary meaning They are a 'nuisance' in the ordinary meaning, not the legal meaning, of that word.bemeanmeanthe figurative/metaphorical meaning (=different from its usual or basic meaning) The expression has a metaphorical meaning.havemeansb’s/sth’s true meaning Children understand the true meaning of these words.childmeanworda symbolic meaning (=representing an idea) Colours often have symbolic meanings; for example, black signifies grief in Western cultures.colourmeaningsignifycultureTHESAURUSSense 2meaning the thoughts or ideas that someone wants you to understand from what they say, do, write etc: What do you think is the meaning of the poem?bemeanthe gist the main idea and meaning of something such as an article or a speech: Read the story quickly first, just to get the gist of it. | I think I understand the gist of what you’re saying.saythe drift/your drift the main set of ideas involved in something such as an explanation, argument, or account of something – often used when the ideas are not stated directly: The drift of his letter is that he wants to come back.bewant | I don’t quite follow your drift.the essence the most important meaning of something such as an argument or piece of writing: The essence of what he is saying is that human character is formed by society.besaybebeformthe thrust the most important message of an argument, explanation etc, especially when it consists of a set of connected ideas leading to a final answer or idea: The overall thrust of her argument is that we need to do more to protect our environment.bethe substance formal the most important ideas contained in an argument or piece of writing: The substance of Marx’s views is the same in both of these books.viewbebook | His article lacks substance (=there are no interesting or important ideas in it).lackthe implication the meaning of what someone says, writes etc that is not stated directly, but that people are expected to understand: The implication was that they did not consider Harrison to be trustworthy.bedo
adjectiveWord family1HAPPYSATISFIEDhappy or satisfied: Your dad will be so pleased.pleaseShe seemed pleased by the compliment.seempleasepleased aboutI could tell she was pleased about something.canbepleasepleased withGwinn was pleased with the results.bepleaseresultpleased forThat’s wonderful! I’m really pleased for you.pleasepleased (that)Her mother was pleased that she chose a college close to home.bepleasechoosepleased to hear/see/report etcI’m pleased to tell you that you’ve got the job.pleaseget2(I’m) pleased to meet you spoken formalHELLO used as a polite greeting when you meet someone for the first time3pleased to help/assistWILLING very willing or happy to help: If there’s anything we can do, we’d be pleased to help.please4pleased with yourselfPROUD feeling proud or satisfied because you think you have done something clever, often in a way that annoys other people: Miranda, pleased with herself for getting it right, sat down.pleasegetsit
verb
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: dreahnian Verb form1LIQUIDliquid a)[transitive] to make the water or liquid in something flow away:
The swimming pool is drained and cleaned every winter.swimbedraincleandrain something from somethingBrad drained all the oil from the engine.drainCan you drain the spaghetti, please (=pour away the water from the pan)? b)[intransitive always + adverb/preposition]POUR if liquid drains away, it flows awaydrain away/off/fromI watched the bath water drain away.watch c)[intransitive]EMPTY if something drains, the liquid that is in it or on it flows away and it becomes dry: Open ditches drain very efficiently.ditchShe washed up and left the dishes to drain.washleavedishwell-drained/poorly-drained soil (=soil from which water flows away quickly or slowly)This plant needs rich, well-drained soil.needdrain2make somebody tiredMAKE TIRED [transitive]TIRED to make someone feel very tired and without any energy: Working with children all day really drains you.workchilddrain3use too muchUSE TOO MUCH [transitive]USE/CONSUME to use too much of something, especially money, so that there is not enough left: Huge imports were draining the country’s currency reserves.importbedrainreserve4COLOURBRIGHTthe colour/blood drains from sb’s face/cheeks used to say that someone’s face becomes very pale, because they are frightened or shocked: When the verdict was read out, all the colour drained from Zelda’s cheeks.bedraincheek5drain a glass/cup etcDRINK written to drink all the liquid in a glass, cup etc: Hannah drained her mug in one gulp.draindrain away phrasal verb if something drains away, it is reduced until there is none left: I watched the light drain away.watchanger/confidence/tension/hope etc drains awaySally felt her anger drain away.feeldrain something ↔ off phrasal verb EMPTYto make water or a liquid flow off something, leaving it dry: After cooking the meat, drain off the excess fat.cook
drainnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesdraindrainsdraindrain2 noun [countable]1especially British English a pipe that carries water or waste liquids away: The flood was caused by a blocked drain.becauseblockThere’s a problem with the drains.drain2British English the frame of metal bars over a drain where water etc can flow into it SYN grate American English3American English the hole in the bottom of a bath or sink that water flows out through SYN plughole British English4a drain on somethingUSE/CONSUME something that continuously uses a lot of time, money etc: The war was an enormous drain on the country’s resources.beresource5down the drain informalWASTE STH a)if time, effort, or money goes down the drain, it is wasted or produces no results: Well that’s it. 18 months’ work down the drain.month b)if an organization, country etc goes down the drain, it becomes worse or fails: That’s why this country’s going down the drain!go → brain drain, → laugh like a drain at laugh1(1)
verb [intransitive and transitive]Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: resigner, from Latin resignare ‘to unseal, cancel, give back’, from signare; → SIGN2 Verb form1LEAVE A JOB OR ORGANIZATIONto officially announce that you have decided to leave your job or an organization → quitresign from
She resigned from the government last week.resignresign asHe resigned as Governor of Punjab in August.resignresign your post/seat/position etcTom has since resigned his membership of the golf club.haveresign2resign yourself to (doing) somethingACCEPT to make yourself accept something that is bad but cannot be changed → resigned: Josh resigned himself to the long walk home.resignAt sixteen, I resigned myself to the fact that I’d never be a dancer.resignCOLLOCATIONSnounsresign your post/position/office He later resigned his post as Minister of Energy.lateresignresign your seat (=announce that you will no longer be a member of a parliament, be on a committee etc) A majority of voters think he should resign his seat in Congress.votershallresign the presidency Richard Nixon resigned the presidency in 1974.resignresign your chairmanship Mr Hunt announced that he has resigned his chairmanship of the committee.announcehaveresignresign your membership He recently resigned his membership of the National Rifle Association.resignTHESAURUSleave your jobleave: I left my last job because the salary was so low.leavebe | Why don’t you just leave?quit to leave your job permanently because you are not happy with it: After enduring months of harassment, Mrs Collins decided to quit her job.enduremonthdecide | I’ve told them I’m quitting.tellquitresign to officially announce that you have decided to leave your job: The company director was forced to resign over the scandal.beforcehand in your notice/resignation to write an official letter to your employer saying that you are going to leave your job on a particular date: You have to hand in your notice at least four weeks before you leave.littleweekretire to leave your job in order to stop working permanently, usually because you have reached the age when most people stop working: After forty years of working for the bank, Karl retired in May.yearworkretire | He had to retire because of ill health.have
noun [countable]Word familyDate: 1100-1200Language: Old French
Origin: present participle of servir; → SERVE1 1someone, especially in the past, who was paid to clean someone’s house, cook for them, answer the door etc, and who often lived in the house:
Many young girls became domestic servants.girlbecomeservant2servant of somebody/somethingUSE A PERSON someone who is controlled by someone or something – often used to show disapproval: Are we the servants of computers?beservantcomputer → civil servant
verb [transitive]Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: rescourre, from escourre ‘to shake out’, from Latin excutere Verb form SAVE/RESCUEto save someone or something from a situation of danger or harm:
Survivors of the crash were rescued by helicopter.survivorberescuerescue somebody/something from somebody/somethingShe died trying to rescue her children from the blaze.dietrychild—rescuerrescuersrescuer noun [countable]THESAURUSrescue to remove someone from a dangerous, difficult, or unpleasant situation: Firefighters worked for two hours to rescue people from the building.firefighterworkhourbuild | Will you rescue me if I get stuck talking to Sam?sticktalkcome to the rescue/sb’s rescue to come and rescue or help someone: It was an embarrassing moment, but fortunately Paul came to the rescue.beembarrasscome | Several people saw I was in trouble, but no one came to my rescue.seebecomesave to prevent someone from being killed, harmed, or losing something, or to make it possible for something to continue: Wearing a seat belt can help save your life.wear | They saved the hospital from closure.save | If you break down in the desert, there is no one there to save you.bepick somebody up to rescue someone from a dangerous place by taking them away in a boat or aircraft: A lifeboat picked them up two miles from the coast.pickmil | They spent the night near the top of the mountain, before being picked up by a helicopter.spendbepickbail somebody out to rescue a person, company etc from a difficult situation, by providing them with the money they need: A number of state-owned enterprises have been bailed out by the central bank.numbownenterprisebebail | He owed thousands of pounds and his mother had to bail him out.owepoundhave
rescuenounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from this entryCorpus examplesrescuerescuesrescuerescue2 noun [uncountable and countable]
1SAVE/RESCUEwhen someone or something is rescued from danger: a daring rescue at seadarerescue ofStorms delayed the rescue of the crash victims.stormdelayvictimRescue workers arrived at the scene two hours later.workerarrivehourlaterescue mission/operationThe rescue operation proved successful.prove2come to the/sb’s rescue a)to save someone who is in a dangerous situation: A lifeboat came to the yachtsman’s rescue.come b)to help someone who is having problems or difficulties: Carol’s brother came to the rescue and sent her $1000.comesendCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesa dramatic rescue A woman is in hospital following a dramatic rescue from her blazing flat.befollowblazea daring rescue The lifeboat crew has been honoured for a daring rescue on the Cleveland coast.havebehonourdareverbsattempt/mount a rescue (=try to rescue someone) The stormy conditions made it impossible to mount a rescue.conditionmakerescue + NOUNa rescue attempt/effort One fire fighter was severely burned in the rescue attempt.beburna rescue operation/mission A major rescue operation was launched yesterday after two divers were reported missing.belaunchdiverbereportmissa rescue worker Rescue workers are searching through the rubble for survivors.workerbesearchsurvivora rescue team He was still conscious when the rescue team arrived.bearrivea rescue helicopter/boat/ship A rescue helicopter is on its way.bea rescue plan/package (=plan to save a company, economy etc that is in trouble) They drew up a rescue plan that involved restructuring the firm.drawinvolverestructure
verbDate: 1300-1400Language: Medieval Latin
Origin: promptare, from Latin promptus; → PROMPT2 Verb form1[transitive]PERSUADE to make someone decide to do somethingprompt somebody to do something
What prompted you to buy that suit?prompt2CAUSE[transitive] to make people say or do something as a reaction: The decision prompted an outcry among prominent US campaigners.prompt3[transitive]REMIND/MAKE SB REMEMBER to help a speaker who pauses, by suggesting how to continue: ‘I can’t decide,’ said Beatrice. ‘Decide what?’ prompted Marlon.sayprompt4[transitive] to ask someone to do something on a computer: A message will appear which will prompt you for certain information.5[intransitive and transitive]REMIND/MAKE SB REMEMBER to remind an actor of the next words in a speech
promptadjectiveCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplespromptprompterpromptestpromptprompt2 W3 adjectiveDate: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: promptus, from the past participle of promere ‘to bring out’ 1FAST/QUICKdone quickly, immediately, or at the right time:
Prompt action must be taken.takePrompt payment is requested.berequesta prompt response2[not before noun]ON TIME someone who is prompt arrives or does something at the right time and is not late: Lunch is at two. Try to be prompt.be—promptnesspromptnessespromptness noun [uncountable]THESAURUSquick taking only a short time to do something: I took a quick look at the map.take | Do I have time for a quick shower before we go out?short lasting only a short time: You can do a short course in diving.dive | The meeting was shorter than I’d expected.meetbeshortexpectbrief especially written lasting only a short time. Brief is more formal than short, and is used especially in written English: The President made a brief visit to Buenos Aires.make | a brief introduction to Piaget’s ideasidea | a brief pause in the rainrapid especially written happening in a short period of time – used about changes, increases, improvements etc: a rapid increase in crime | the rapid rate of industrial developmentspeedy happening or done as quickly as possible, especially so that you get the result that you want: Best wishes for a speedy recovery.wellwish | The restoration work has been making speedy progress.havebemakeprompt done very soon after something else: Thank you for your prompt reply. | the prompt action of the firefightersfirefighter | Discounts will be offered for prompt payment.discountofferhasty deciding or doing something very quickly, especially when this has bad results: It was a hasty decision, which he later regretted.belateregret | They had to make a hasty departure.havecursory formal looking at something very quickly without much attention to detail: Even a cursory glance at these figures shows that there is a problem.figureshowbe | The police conducted a cursory search of the property.conduct
promptadverbCollocations from other entriesOther dictionary examplespromptpromptprompt3 adverb British English informal ON TIMEat the time mentioned and no later SYN sharp American English: The bus will leave at 8 o'clock prompt.
promptnounCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1 2Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplespromptpromptspromptprompt4 noun [countable]1REMIND/MAKE SB REMEMBERa word or words said to an actor in a play, to help them remember what to say2a sign on a computer screen which shows that the computer has finished one operation and is ready to begin the next
noun [countable]Date: 1600-1700Origin: Probably from hent ‘act of seizing’ (16-17 centuries), from Old English hentan ‘to seize’ 1SAYsomething that you say or do to suggest something to someone, without telling them directly:
There have been hints that he may take up coaching.behintcoach‘Look, I can’t tell you.’ ‘Oh, come on, give me a hint.’hint about/as toMiles had been dropping heavy hints about the cost of petrol.milhavebedrophintI made it clear I wasn’t interested in him, but he didn’t take the hint.makeinterest2LITTLE/NOT MUCHa very small amount or sign of somethinghint of‘When?’ he asked with a hint of impatience.askWe shall have to turn back if there’s the slightest hint of fog.slight3ADVISEa useful piece of advice about how to do something SYN tiphelpful/handy hintshint on/abouthelpful hints on looking after house plantshintlookplantCOLLOCATIONSverbsgive (somebody) a hint Come on, what is it? Give me a hint.bedrop a hint (=give a hint) She was dropping quite a few hints about what she'd like for her birthday.bedrophinttake a/the hint (=to understand a hint and act on it) Mark took the hint and shut up.takeget the hint (=to understand a hint) I looked hopefully at the cake, but he didn't get the hint.lookadjectivesa broad/strong/heavy hint (=one that is very easy to understand) He had dropped a heavy hint that they might get married.havedropmarrya subtle/gentle hint (=one that is not very easy to understand – sometimes used ironically when someone is being very obvious) I'm sick of her subtle hints that I'm not welcome here.hinta vague hint (=one that is not specific enough to understand) In his article, he gave only vague hints as to what he had actually done.givehinthavedophrasesI can take a hint (=used when you understand someone's hint) All right, I can take a hint. I'm leaving.leave
hintverbCollocations from other entriesActivator 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus exampleshinthintshintedhintinghinthint2 verb [intransitive and transitive]Verb form SAYto suggest something in an indirect way, but so that someone can guess your meaning SYN implyhint atWhat are you hinting at?behinthint (that)He hinted strongly that he might be prepared to send troops in.hintpreparetroop
verb [transitive]Word familyWord familyVerb form POSSIBLEto make it possible for someone to do something, or for something to happenenable somebody/something to do somethingThe loan enabled Jan to buy the house.enableThere are plans to enlarge the runway to enable jumbo jets to land.beplanjet—enablerenablersenabler noun [countable]
adverb, preposition formalLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: beneothan, from neothan ‘below’ 1UNDER/BELOWin or to a lower position than something, or directly under something SYN underneath:
The dolphins disappeared beneath the waves.dolphindisappearwaveJo enjoyed feeling the warm sand beneath her feet.enjoyfeelfootHe was standing on the bridge looking at the river beneath.bestandlookSome roofs collapsed beneath the weight of (=unable to support the weight of) so much snow.roofcollapseRegisterIn everyday English, people usually use underneath (as an adverb or preposition) or under (as a preposition) when talking about position:They hid under the table.hidea picture with a caption underneath2covered by something: Shiona shivered beneath the bedclothes.shiver3HIDE/NOT SHOWused to say that someone’s real character or feelings are not shown because their appearance or behaviour is different SYN underneath: Dave sensed that something more sinister lay beneath the woman’s cheerful exterior.senselieBeneath the surface she was angry.be4SUITABLEnot good enough or suitable for someone: She acts as if even speaking to us is beneath her.actspeakbeHe felt it would be beneath his dignity to comment.feelwillHis mother felt he was marrying beneath him (=marrying someone who was not good enough).feelbemarryI consider such behaviour to be beneath contempt (=so bad that you have no respect for the person involved).5POSITION/RANKin a lower, less important rank or job than someone else SYN belowTHESAURUSunder something that is under something else has that thing directly above it or covering it: The pen was under the desk.be | She had a T-shirt on under her sweater.havebelow in a lower position than something else, though not always directly under it: From the cliffs we could barely see the people on the beach below us.cliffcan | His apartment is below ours on the left.beleaveunderneath under – used especially to emphasize that something covers, touches, or hides something: The girls wear shorts underneath their cheerleading skirts.girlshortskirt | I found the book underneath the sofa.findbeneath formal under or at a lower level: They strolled hand in hand beneath the summer moon.stroll | The water lies just beneath the surface of the earth.lie
verb [transitive]
Word familyDate: 1400-1500Language: French
Origin: exposer, from Latin exponere ‘to put out, explain’, from ponere ‘to put’ Verb form1showSHOW/LET SB SEE STH to show something that is usually covered or hidden:
He lifted his T-shirt to expose a jagged scar across his chest.liftexpose something to somethingPotatoes turn green when exposed to light.potatoexpose2to something dangerousRISK to put someone in a situation where they are not protected from something dangerous or unpleasantexpose somebody to somethingThe report revealed that workers had been exposed to high levels of radiation.revealworkerhavebeexposelevelexpose yourself to ridicule/criticism etc (=say or do something that may make people laugh at you, criticize you etc)3tell the truthSHOW/LET SB SEE STH to show the truth about someone or something, especially when it is bad: The film exposes the utter horror of war.exposeThe report exposes the weaknesses of modern medical practice.exposeweaknessexpose somebody as somethingThe baron was exposed as a liar and a cheat.beexpose4see/experienceEXPERIENCE to make it possible for someone to experience new ideas, ways of life etcexpose somebody to somethingSome children are never exposed to classical music.childbeexpose5expose yourself if a man exposes himself, he shows his sexual organs to someone he does not know in a public place, usually because he is mentally ill6photograph to allow light onto a piece of film in a camera in order to take a photograph7feelingsTELL A SECRET to show other people feelings that you usually hide, especially when this is not planned: I’m afraid I might expose my real feelings for him.feelingTHESAURUSlet someone see show to let someone see something, especially by holding it out in front of them: Everyone has to show their identity cards at the entrance to the building.havecardbuild | Stephanie showed us her engagement ring.showflash to show something to someone very quickly: ‘We’re police’, he said, flashing his card at us.sayflash | Miranda flashed a surprised look into the mirror.flashsurpriselet somebody have a look/take a look especially spoken to show something to someone, especially so that they can examine it, repair it etc: If the wound doesn’t get better soon, you should let the doctor take a look at it.windwellshall | Mike’s good with cars – let him have a look.carreveal especially written to let someone see or know about something that is usually hidden, or that you want to keep secret – often used about showing your feelings or private thoughts: Suzy looked away quickly in order not to reveal her true feelings.lookfeeling | He lifted the lid of the box to reveal a small snake.liftexpose especially written to let someone see something that could not be seen before: The receding tide had exposed huge expanses of sand.recedehaveexposeexpanse | The bear opened its mouth, exposing rows of sharp teeth.openexposerowtooth
nounWord familyDate: 1300-1400Origin: deep 1DISTANCE[countable usually singular, uncountable] a)DEEPthe distance from the top surface of something such as a river or hole to the bottom of it → deep:
a sea with an average depth of 35 metresmetreto/at a depth of somethingThe cave descends to a depth of 340 feet.descendfootPlant the beans at a depth of about six inches.beanincha metre/foot etc in depth (=deep)a channel of two feet in depthfoot b)DEEPthe distance from the front to the back of an object: The depth of the shelves is about 35 cm.shelvebe2EMOTION/SITUATION[uncountable]EMOTIONAL how strong an emotion is or how serious a situation isdepth ofthe depth of public feeling on this issuefeelPeople need to realize the depth of the problem.3KNOWLEDGE[uncountable] a)(also depths) the quality of having a lot of knowledge, understanding, or experiencedepth of knowledge/understanding/experienceI was impressed by the depth of her knowledge.beimpressa man of great depth and insightShe’s quiet, but perhaps she has hidden depths.havehidedepth b)when a lot of details about a subject are provided or considered: Network news coverage often lacks depth.lackThe subject was discussed in great depth.bediscuss4be out of your depth a)UNDERSTAND#to be involved in a situation or activity that is too difficult for you to understand or deal with: I felt completely out of my depth at the meeting.feelmeet b)WATER British English to be in water that is too deep for you to stand in5SAD/UNHAPPYthe depths of something when a bad feeling or situation is at its worst level: She was in the depths of despair.bedepthThe country was recovering from the depths of recession.berecoverdepth6the depths of the ocean/countryside/forest etcMIDDLE the part that is furthest away from people, and most difficult to reach: Astronomers may one day travel to the depths of space.astronomerdepth7the depths of winterPERIOD OF TIME the middle of winter, especially when it is very cold8SEAthe depths literaryDEEP the deepest parts of the sea
nounDate: 1100-1200Language: Old Norse
Origin: kaka
1 [uncountable and countable] a soft sweet food made by baking a mixture of flour, butter, sugar, and eggs: We had cake and ice cream.havea chocolate cake2fish/rice/potato etc cake fish, rice etc that has been formed into a flat round shape and then cooked3[countable]PIECE a small block of somethingcake ofa cake of soap4be a piece of cake spokenEASY to be very easy: ‘How do you do that?’ ‘It’s a piece of cake! Watch!’5take the cake (also take the biscuit British English) informal to be worse than anything else you can imagine: I’ve heard some pretty dumb ideas, but that takes the cake!hearideatake6have your cake and eat it British English, have your cake and eat it too American English spokenADVANTAGE to have all the advantages of something without its disadvantages7a slice of the cake British EnglishMONEY a share of the profit, help etc that is available: Both companies expect to get a big slice of the cake.company → sell like hot cakes at hot cake(1)COLLOCATIONSverbsmake/bake a cake Let's make a cake for his birthday.decorate a cake We decorated the cake with strawberries and cream.decoratestrawberryice a cake British English, frost a cake American English (=cover a cake with fine sugar mixed with a liquid) She iced her own wedding cake.icephrasesa piece/slice of cake Would you like a slice of cake?willa cake recipe Do you have any good cake recipes?recipea cake tin British English, a cake pan American English (=that you bake a cake in) Use a 20 cm cake tin.a cake shop There's a very good cake shop in the market.cake mix (=a mixture that you buy in a packet and use for making a cake) If I'm feeling lazy, I sometimes use a cake mix.feeltypes of cakea birthday/Christmas/wedding cake (=a special cake for a birthday etc) Lucy had twelve candles on her birthday cake.havecandlea home-made cake Home-made cakes are much nicer than bought ones.makecakebenicebuyonea fruit cake (=one with dried fruit in it) Fruit cakes keep for quite a long time.cakea sponge cake (=one made from flour, butter, sugar, and eggs) It's best to eat sponge cakes on the day you make them.wellcakea chocolate/lemon etc cake (=a sponge cake with a chocolate etc flavour) She'd baked a chocolate cake for me.bakea cream cake (=one with thick cream inside it) I'll get fat if I eat any more cream cakes.cakeCOMMON ERRORS ► Do not say 'cook a cake'. Say make a cake or bake a cake.
cakeverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplescakecakescakedcakingcakecake2 verbVerb form1be caked with/in somethingCOVERHARD to be covered with a layer of something soft or wet that becomes thick and hard when it dries: Our boots were caked with mud.bootbecake2[intransitive]COVER if a substance cakes, it forms a thick hard layer when it dries
noun [countable]Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: signale, from Medieval Latin, from Late Latin signalis ‘of a sign’, from Latin signum; → SIGN1 1SIGN/GESTUREa sound or an action that you make in order to give information to someone or tell them to do somethingsignal (for somebody) to do something
When she got up from the table, it was obviously the signal for us to leave.getbeAt a prearranged signal the lights went out.prearrangelightgo → smoke signal2SIGN/INDICATIONan event or action that shows what someone feels, what exists, or what is likely to happensignal (that)These results are a signal that the child may need special help.resultbesignal ofThe opinion poll is a clear signal of people’s dissatisfaction with the government.bethe danger signals of a heart attacksignalsend/give out a signalWe don't want to give out the wrong signal to investors.investor3a series of light waves, sound waves etc that carry an image, sound, or message, for example in radio or televisionsend/transmit a signalThis new pay-TV channel sends signals via satellite to cable companies.sendsignalcompanyreceive/pick up/detect a signala small antenna which can receive radio signalssignalThe coastguard picked up a distress signal from a freighter 50 miles out at sea.pickmil4a piece of equipment with coloured lights, used on a railway to tell train drivers whether they can continue or must stop: a stop signala signal failure (=when these lights do not work) → busy signal at busy1(4)COLLOCATIONSMeaning 2ADJECTIVES/NOUN + signala clear/strong signal My body was giving me a clear signal that something was wrong.begivebea warning/danger/alarm signal (=a signal showing that there is danger) Managers should keep a watchful eye open for the danger signals.managershallsignalthe wrong signals (=ones that do not give a true account of a situation) Reducing the penalty for marijuana use perhaps sends the wrong signal to teenagers.reducesendteenagermixed signals (=ones that are confusing because they seem to show two different things) Our culture gives girls mixed messages about food, with skinny models and fast-food commercials competing for attention.givegirlmixmessagemodelcommercialcompeteverbssend/give out a signal The use of the army sends out a clear signal to protesters that their actions will not be tolerated.sendprotesteractiontolerateread the signals (=to understand signals correctly) President Nixon read the signals and decided it was time to resign.signaldecidebeCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 3verbssend (out)/transmit a signal The signals are transmitted via satellites.signalbetransmitsatelliteemit a signal (=sends one out) The device emits a signal which can be picked up by a submarine.emitpickreceive/pick up a signal The antenna that will pick up the signals is a 12-metre dish.signalbecarry a signal (=allow it to travel along or through something) Copper wires carry the electrical signals.wiresignala signal travels (=goes across space, along a wire etc) The signal travels over the cable network.travelADJECTIVES/NOUN + signalstrong I can’t use my phone because the signal isn’t strong enough here.weak/faint The signals were too weak for the receiver to pick up.signalbea radio/electrical/radar signal A transmitter connected to the door bell sends radio signals to a portable receiver.connectsendsignala digital signal Digital signals can be compressed to take up less space.signalcompresslittleTHESAURUSsign [countable] an event, fact etc that shows that something is happening or that something is true or exists: The curtains were still drawn and there was no sign of activity.curtainbedrawbe | A score of 80 or more is a sign that you are doing very well.bebedoindication [countable] a sign. Indication is more formal than sign: Recently there have been several indications of improving relations.beindicationimproverelation | There was no indication the killings were related to the drug trade.bekillingberelateevidence [uncountable] facts or signs that show clearly that something exists or is true, especially something that you are trying to prove: Scientists are hoping to find evidence that there was once life on Mars.scientistbehopebemar | There was not enough evidence to convict him of the murder.besymptom [countable] a sign that someone has an illness or that a serious problem exists: The first symptoms are tiredness and loss of weight.symptombe | Is this a symptom of the decay of Western civilization?beindicator [countable] a sign that shows you what is happening or what is true – used about a process, or about the state or level of something: There are a number of indicators of economic slowdown.benumbindicator | The tests are considered a good indicator of intelligence.testbeconsidersignal [countable] a sign that shows that you should do something, or that you have a particular attitude: Severe chest pain is a warning signal that cannot be ignored.bewarnignore | Legalizing drugs could send the wrong signal to young people.legalizedrugcanmark [countable] a sign, especially that you respect or honour someone: People stood in silence as a mark of respect.stand | It was a mark of her popularity that so many colleagues and friends attended the presentation.becolleaguefriendattend
signalverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplessignalsignalssignalledsignaledsignallingsignalingsignalsignal2 verb (past tense and past participle signalled, present participle signalling British English, signaled, signaling American English)Word familyVerb form1[intransitive and transitive]SIGN/GESTURE to make a sound or an action in order to give information or tell someone to do something: She signalled, and the waiter brought the bill.signalbringThe whistle signalled the end of the match.signalsignal atMary signalled wildly at them, but they didn’t notice.signalsignal toThe judge signaled to a police officer and the man was led away.signalbeleadsignal forHe pushed his plate away and signalled for coffee.pushsignalsignal (to) somebody to do somethingShe signalled to the children to come inside.signalchildsignal thatThe bell signaled that school was over.signalbe2[transitive]CLEAR/EASY TO UNDERSTAND to make something clear by what you say or do – used in news reports: Both sides have signaled their willingness to start negotiations.sidesignalnegotiationBritish sources last night signalled their readiness to talk.sourcesignalsignal (that)The Prime Minister’s speech today signals that there will be a shakeup in the cabinet.signal3[transitive]SHOW/BE A SIGN OF to be a sign that something is going to happensignal the start/beginning/end of somethingthe lengthening days that signal the end of winterlengthenday4[intransitive] to show the direction you intend to turn in a vehicle, using the lights SYN indicate American English: Signal before you pull out.
signaladjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplessignalsignalsignal3 adjective [only before noun] formalDate: 1600-1700Language: French
Origin: signalé, past participle of signaler ‘to show a difference between’, from Old Italian segnalare, from Medieval Latin signale; → SIGNAL1 IMPORTANTimportantsignal achievement/success/failure etc
The university has done me the signal honour of making me an Honorary Fellow.havedomake
If an unpleasant or surprising fact or idea sinks in, you gradually start to believe it, understand it, or realize the effect it will have on you
• How many times do I have to tell you something before it sinks in?
• His voice trailed off as the seriousness of his position sank in.
★ SMART thesaurus
Understanding and comprehending
Main entry: sinkphrasal verb
(also privatiseprivatise British English) /ˈpraɪvətaɪz/ verb [transitive]Word familyVerb form if a government privatizes an organization, industry, or service that it owns or controls, it sells it → nationalize
nounWord family1[uncountable and countable]AMOUNT an amount expressed as if it is part of a total which is 100percentage ofThe percentage of school leavers that go to university is about five per cent.beTax is paid as a percentage of total income.bepayhigh/low/small percentageA high percentage of married women have part-time jobs.marrywomanjobInterest rates fell by six percentage points (=6%).ratefallpointThe numbers are small in percentage terms (=when calculated as a percentage).numberbetermpercentage change/increase etcCrime figures showed significant percentage increases.figureshowincreaseGrammarIf the noun that follows a percentage of is plural, use a plural verb after it: Only a small percentage of people are interested in politics.beinterest2[countable usually singular] a share of the profits: She gets a percentage for every record sold.getsell3there is no percentage in doing something British English informalADVANTAGE used to say that doing something is not going to help or be useful: There’s no percentage in worrying.worryCOLLOCATIONSadjectiveshigh/large A high percentage of our students pass the exam.studentsmall/low Only a small percentage of people suffer from the allergy.significant We get a significant percentage of our oil from Nigeria and Angola.percentage + NOUNa percentage point (=one percent) The party increased its share of the vote by almost 4 percentage points.increasepointa percentage increase/change Poorer pensioners experienced the greatest percentage increase in their pensions.poorpensionerexperiencegreatpensionphrasesin percentage terms The quantity of carbon dioxide was, in percentage terms, extremely small.betermverbsexpress something as a percentage The number is expressed as a percentage of the total population of the country.numbbeexpress
verb [transitive]Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: reparer, from Latin reparare, from parare ‘to prepare’ Verb form
1REPAIRto fix something that is damaged, broken, split, or not working properly SYN mend British English: Dad was up the ladder, repairing the roof.berepairWhere can I get my shoes repaired?shoerepair2formalGET RID OF to do something to remove harm that you have caused SYN mend British English: Neil tried to repair the damage that his statements had caused.trystatementhavecause → irreparablerepair to something phrasal verb old-fashionedGO to go to a place: Shall we repair to the drawing room?draw—repairerrepairersrepairer noun [countable]THESAURUSrepair to do some work on something that is damaged or not working properly, so that it is in good condition again: The builders are coming to repair the roof.builderbecome | Have you had the washing machine repaired yet?havewashrepairfix especially American English to repair something: I’m taking the car in to get it fixed.takefix | The chain on the bike needs fixing.needfixmend especially British English to repair something that is damaged, torn, or not working: I’ve found someone who’ll mend the fence.find | Can you mend this sweater for me? | Fishermen sat mending their nets in the sunshine.fishermansitmendnetservice to check a vehicle or machine and repair it if necessary, especially regularly: You should have your car serviced every six months.shallservicemonth | When was the last time we had the gas boiler serviced?behaveservicerenovate to repair an old building so that it looks in good condition again: They bought an old house and renovated it themselves.buyrenovaterestore to repair something old and valuable, especially a building, piece of furniture, painting etc, so that it looks the same as it did originally: Many paintings were damaged in the fire but have now been restored.paintingbedamageberestore | The hotel was restored to its original Victorian splendour in 1984.berestoredo up British English informal, fix up American English informal to repair an old building or vehicle, so that it looks in good condition again: He does up old cars and sells them.docarsell | A builder bought the house and fixed it up.buyfixpatch something up to quickly repair something that has a hole in it, by putting a piece of material on it, especially temporarily: They patched up the wall with bits of cement.patchbitdarn to repair holes in clothes: Are you any good at darning socks?bedarnsock
repairnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4Phrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesrepairrepairsrepairrepair2 W3 nounWord family1[uncountable and countable]REPAIR something that you do to fix a thing that is damaged, broken, or not workingrepair torepairs to the roadsrepairroadmake/carry out/do repairsHis job is to make minor repairs on all the machines.berepairmachineThe church tower is in need of repair.bestructural/housing/motorway etc repairsan extensive programme of building repairsbuildrepairbeyond repairMany of the paintings were beyond repair (=so damaged that they cannot be mended).paintingbeunder repair (=being repaired)Is the bridge still under repair?beThey did a good repair job on the roof.do2in good/poor etc repairCONDITION/STATE OF STH in good or bad condition: Garden tools should be kept in good repair.toolshallkeepCOLLOCATIONSverbsmake/do a repair I have done some repairs to the chair over the years.dorepairyearcarry out a repair The school was closed for two months while repairs were carried out.beclosemonthrepairbecarryadjectivesa minor repair (=a small one) In the summer, we had to carry out some minor repairs to the roof.haverepaira major repair (=a big one) The car didn't need to have any major repairs done.repairdonecessary/essential repairs The Council has agreed to carry out essential repairs to the fencing.haveagreerepairfenceurgent repairs More than £40,000 is needed for urgent repairs to the tower.beneedrepairextensive repairs (=a lot of repair work) The boat needed extensive repairs.needrepairstructural repairs (=to the walls or roof of a building or to the main parts of a bridge or other structure) A survey showed that the bridge needed significant structural repairs.showneedrepairelectrical repairs Never attempt electrical repairs without unplugging the appliance.repairunplugrunning repairs (=small things that you do to something to keep it working properly) Farm workers made their own tools and carried out their own running repairs.workermaketoolcarryrunrepairphrasesbe under repair (=be being repaired) We were staying at a hotel while our house was under repair.bestaybebe in need of repair Many of the cottages were badly in need of repair.cottagebebe beyond repair/be damaged beyond repair (=be so badly damaged that it cannot be repaired) Unfortunately the engine is beyond repair.berepair + NOUNrepair work The council has been responsible for appointing contractors to carry out this repair work.havebeappointcontractora repair job It looked like a simple repair job to me.looka repair shop/yard (=a place where things of a particular kind are repaired) He works in a shoe repair shop.worka repair kit (=a set of of tools or equipment that you use to repair something) a bicycle repair kit
adjectiveWord family1IMPRESSunusual or interesting enough to be easily noticedstriking contrast/similarity/parallel etca striking contrast between wealth and povertystrike2BEAUTIFUL/GOOD-LOOKINGattractive in an unusual way that is easy to notice: a dark man with striking featuresstrikefeature3[only before noun] not working because of being on strike: striking auto workersstrikeworker → be within striking distance at strike1(17)
verb [transitive]
Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: suspendre ‘to hang up, interrupt’, from Latin suspendere, from sub- ‘up’ + pendere ‘to hang’ Verb form1STOP STH THAT IS HAPPENINGstop to officially stop something from continuing, especially for a short time → suspension:
Sales of the drug will be suspended until more tests are completed.salesuspendtestbecompleteTalks between the two countries have now been suspended.talkcountrybesuspend2LEAVE A JOB OR ORGANIZATIONLEAVE A SCHOOL OR COLLEGEleave a school/job to make someone leave their school or job for a short time, especially because they have broken the rules → suspension: The two police officers have been suspended until an enquiry is carried out.officerbesuspendbecarrysuspend somebody from somethingDave was suspended from school for a week.besuspend3hang formalDOWN to attach something to a high place so that it hangs downsuspend something from somethingA large light was suspended from the ceiling.besuspendsuspend something by somethingHe was suspended by his feet and beaten with metal bars.besuspendfootbeatbar4suspend judgmentNOT DO STH to decide not to make a firm decision or judgment about something until you know more about it5suspend disbelief to try to believe that something is true, for example when you are watching a film or play6be suspended in something technicalIN/INSIDE if something is suspended in a liquid or in air, it floats in it without moving
verb [transitive not in progressive]Word familyDate: 1500-1600Language: French
Origin: admirer, from Latin admirari, from ad- ‘to’ + mirari ‘to wonder’ Verb form1ADMIREto respect and like someone because they have done something that you think is good:
I really admire the way she brings up those kids all on her own.bringkidadmire somebody for (doing) somethingLewis was much admired for his work on medieval literature.beadmire2GOOD/EXCELLENTto look at something and think how beautiful or impressive it is: We stopped halfway to admire the view.stopSal stood back to admire her work.stand3ATTRACTED TO SBadmire somebody from afar literary to be attracted to someone, without letting them knowTHESAURUSadmire to like someone because they have achieved something special, or they have skills or qualities that you would like to have: I admire your courage. | She admired him for the way he dealt with the situation.admiredealrespect to have a good opinion of someone, even if you do not agree with them, for example because they have achieved a lot or have high standards: She is respected by all her colleagues at the university.berespectcolleague | She’s an actor who is not prepared to compromise, and her audience loves and respects her for that.beprepareloverespectrevere /rɪˈvɪə $ -ˈvɪr/ formal to greatly admire someone because of their achievements and personal qualities, especially someone famous: Mandela is revered as one of the great leaders of our time.berevereleaderlook up to somebody to admire someone who is older or who has more experience than you: All the young comedians look up to him.comedianthink highly of somebody to think that someone is good at what they do: His teachers seem to think very highly of him.teacheridolize to admire someone so much that you think they are perfect – used especially about famous people or people in your family: He idolized his brother.idolize | Jane grew up idolizing Princess Diana.growidolizehero-worship to admire someone a lot and want to be like them – often used when this seems unreasonable or extreme: She hero-worshipped John to such an extent that she was blind to his faults.worshipbefault
verb [transitive]Date: 1500-1600Language: Latin
Origin: exhaustus, past participle of exhaurire, from haurire ‘to draw off liquid, drain’ Verb form1TIREDto make someone feel extremely tired:
A full day’s teaching exhausts me.teachexhaustexhaust yourselfHe’d exhausted himself carrying all the boxes upstairs.exhaustcarrybox2FINISH/USE ALL OF STHto use all of something SYN use up: We are in danger of exhausting the world’s oil supply.beexhaustHaving exhausted all other possibilities, I asked Jan to look after the baby.haveexhaustpossibilityask3exhaust a subject/topic etcTALK TO SB to talk about something so much that you have nothing more to say about it: Once we’d exhausted the subject of Jill’s wedding, I didn’t know what to say.exhaust
exhaustnounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2Corpus examplesexhaustexhaustsexhaustexhaust2 noun
1 (also exhaust pipe) [countable] a pipe on a car or machine that waste gases pass through2[uncountable] the gas produced when an engine is working: exhaust fumesfume
adjectiveWord family1FAIRSENSIBLEfair and sensible OPP unreasonable: a reasonable requestBe reasonable – you can’t expect her to do all the work on her own!I thought it was a perfectly reasonable (=completely reasonable) question.thinkbeit is reasonable to do somethingIt seems reasonable to assume they’ve been tested.seembetestHe had reasonable grounds (=good reasons but no proof) for believing the law had been broken.havegroundbelievehavebebreaka reasonable explanation/excuseIt sounded like a reasonable enough excuse to me.sound2GOOD ENOUGHfairly good, but not especially good SYN average: She has a reasonable chance of doing well in the exam.havedo3QUITE/FAIRLYa reasonable amount is fairly large: I’ve got a reasonable amount of money saved.getsave4GOOD ENOUGHreasonable prices are not too high SYN fair: good food at a reasonable price5beyond (a) reasonable doubt law if something is proved beyond reasonable doubt, it is shown to be almost certainly true—reasonablenessreasonablenessesreasonableness noun [uncountable]COLLOCATIONSadverbsperfectly/entirely reasonable (also eminently reasonable formal) (=completely reasonable) The proposal sounds perfectly reasonable.soundreasonable enough (=fairly reasonable) It was a reasonable enough question.benounsa reasonable explanation/excuse He tried to think of a reasonable excuse.trya reasonable request He had refused to obey a reasonable request from a senior member of staff.haverefusea reasonable question Here is one possible answer to that very reasonable question.bea reasonable assumption It is a reasonable assumption that he pressed the wrong button.bepressreasonable grounds (=good reasons) She must show that she had some reasonable grounds for her action.haveground
nounDate: 1000-1100Language: Old French
Origin: cristal, from Latin crystallum, from Greek krystallos ‘ice, crystal’
1 [uncountable] very high quality clear glass: a set of six crystal glassesglass2[countable] a small regular-shaped piece of a substance, formed naturally when this substance becomes solid: ice crystalscrystalcopper sulphate crystalscrystal3[uncountable and countable] rock that is clear, or a piece of this4[countable] American English the clear cover on a clock or watch
verb [intransitive]Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: proceder, from Latin procedere ‘to go forward’ Verb form1CONTINUE/NOT STOP formal to continue to do something that has already been planned or startedproceed with
The government was determined to proceed with the election.bedetermineBefore proceeding further, we must define our terms.proceedfartermRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say go ahead rather than proceed:They decided to go ahead with the project.decide2formal to continue: Work is proceeding according to plan.beproceedaccord3proceed to do somethingSTART DOING STH to do something after doing something else first – used sometimes to express surprise or annoyance: Sammy took off his coat and proceeded to undo his boots.takeproceedboot4[always +adverb/preposition] formalGO to move in a particular directionproceed to/towards/into etcPassengers for Miami should proceed to gate 25.passengershall ► Do not confuse with precede (=happen before or go before): the period of illness that preceded his deathproceed against somebody phrasal verb law to begin a legal case against someoneproceed from something phrasal verb formal COME FROM/ORIGINATEto happen or exist as a result of something: ideas that proceed from a disturbed state of mindideadisturbproceed to something phrasal verb formal if you proceed to the next part of an activity, job etc, you do or take part in the next part of it SYN go on to: players who proceed to the finals of the competitionplayerfinal
noun [countable]Date: 1500-1600Language: German
Origin: Polish Poljane ‘people who live in fields, Poles’, from pole ‘field’ someone from Poland
polenounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2 3 4Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplespolepolespolepole1 W3 /pəʊl $ poʊl/
noun [countable]
Sense 1:Language: Old English
Origin: pal, from Latin palus; → PALE3Sense 2-5:
Date: 1300-1400
Language: Latin
Origin: polus, from Greek polos 1stick/post a long stick or post usually made of wood or metal, often set upright in the ground to support something:
a telephone pole2the most northern or most southern point on a planet, especially the Earth: the distance from pole to equatorthe North/South PoleAmundsen’s expedition was the first to reach the South Pole.be3be poles apartDIFFERENT two people or things that are poles apart are as different from each other as it is possible to be: Both are brilliant pianists, though they’re poles apart in style.bepianistpole4opposite ideas/beliefsOPPOSITE/REVERSE one of two situations, ideas, or opinions that are the complete opposite of each otherat one pole/at opposite polesWe have enormous wealth at one pole, and poverty and misery at the other.Washington and Beijing are at opposite poles (=think in two completely different ways) on this issue.bepole5electrical a)one of two points at the ends of a magnet where its power is the strongest b)one of the two points at which wires can be attached to a battery in order to use its electricity
poleverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplespolepolespoledpolingpolepole2 verb [intransitive and transitive] British EnglishVerb form PUSHto push a boat along in the water using a pole
adjectiveWord familyDate: 1300-1400Language: French
Origin: Latin, from nocens ‘evil’, present participle of nocere ‘to harm’ 1not guilty of a crime OPP guilty:
Nobody would believe that I was innocent.willbeinnocent ofHe’s innocent of murder.The court found him innocent and he was released.findberelease2innocent victims/bystanders/people etcSUFFER people who get hurt or killed in a war or crime although they are not directly involved in it: Many innocent civilians are among the casualties.civilianbecasualty3HARM/BE BAD FORdone or said without intending to harm or offend anyone: He was startled by their angry reaction to his innocent remark.bestartle4EXPERIENCEDnot having much experience of the bad things in the world, so that you are easily deceived SYN naive: I was thirteen years old and very innocent.beyear—innocentlyinnocently adverb
innocentnounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesinnocentinnocentsinnocentinnocent2 noun [countable]Word family EXPERIENCEDsomeone who does not have much experience of the bad things in life
adjectiveWord family1LET/ALLOWgood enough to be used for a particular purpose or to be considered satisfactoryacceptable toan agreement which is acceptable to all sidesbesideStudents who achieve an acceptable standard will progress to degree studies.studentstudyHow do we reach an acceptable level of data security?datum2ACCEPTacceptable behaviour is considered to be morally or socially good enough: Alcohol is not an acceptable way out of your problems.beproblemHere, the students set the standards for acceptable behaviour.studentstandardacceptable (for somebody) to do somethingIt is not socially acceptable for parents to leave children unattended at that age.beparentchildIt is perfectly acceptable to sample the food before you buy.be—acceptablyacceptably adverb—acceptabilityacceptabilitiesacceptability /əkˌseptəˈbɪləti, əkˌseptəˈbɪlɪti/ noun [uncountable]THESAURUSsatisfactory good enough – often used when something reaches a fairly good standard, but is not of a high standard: Her grades are satisfactory.gradebe | For a beginner, this camera produces satisfactory results.produceresultall right/OK spoken not bad, but not very good: The meal was all right, but rather expensive.be | ‘How was the film?’ ‘It was OK.’bebereasonable fairly good: a reasonable standard of livinglive | The quality of the food was reasonable.beacceptable if something is acceptable to you, you think it is good enough and you are willing to take it: an acceptable offer | an acceptable level of risk | They can't find a solution that is acceptable to both sides.besideadequate enough in quantity, or of a good enough standard. Adequate sounds rather formal and is used especially in official contexts: an adequate supply of drinking waterdrink | adequate standards of hygienestandarddecent especially spoken good enough in quality – used especially when something is as good as most other things: I want my kids to get a decent education.kid | Where can I get a decent cup of coffee? | The food’s decent and the service is good.bepassable satisfactory, but not of the best quality – used especially about food and drink, or someone’s skill at doing something. Passable sounds rather formal: a passable French wine | His Japanese was passable.be | a passable imitation of Barack Obamabe up to scratch informal to be of a good enough standard: His work wasn’t up to scratch. | None of the hotels they suggested were up to scratch.hotelsuggestbewill do informal to be good enough for a particular purpose: Any kind of paper will do. | ‘How about Ken?’ ‘I suppose he’ll do.’
verb [transitive]Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: abondoner, from abandon ‘surrendering’, from a bandon ‘into someone's power’ Verb form1LEAVE A RELATIONSHIPto leave someone, especially someone you are responsible for → abandoned:
How could she abandon her own child?can2LEAVE A PLACEto go away from a place, vehicle etc permanently, especially because the situation makes it impossible for you to stay SYN leave → abandoned: We had to abandon the car and walk the rest of the way.haveFearing further attacks, most of the population had abandoned the city.fearfarattackhaveabandon3STOP DOING STHto stop doing something because there are too many problems and it is impossible to continue: The game had to be abandoned due to bad weather.haveabandonThey abandoned their attempt to recapture the castle.abandonBecause of the fog they abandoned their idea of driving.abandondrive4STOP DOING STHto stop having a particular idea, belief, or attitude: They were accused of abandoning their socialist principles.beaccuseabandonprincipleRescuers had abandoned all hope of finding any more survivors.rescuerhaveabandonfindsurvivor5abandon yourself to something literaryEMOTIONAL to feel an emotion so strongly that you let it control you completely: She abandoned herself to grief.abandon6abandon shipESCAPE to leave a ship because it is sinking—abandonmentabandonmentsabandonment noun [uncountable]
abandonnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesabandonabandonsabandonabandon2 noun [uncountable] CONTROLif someone does something with abandon, they behave in a careless or uncontrolled way, without thinking or caring about what they are doingwith reckless/wild abandonThey drank and smoked with reckless abandon.drinksmoke
noun [countable] a Prime Minister – used in news reports: the Irish Premier
premieradjectiveCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplespremierpremierpremier2 adjective [only before noun] formalDate: 1400-1500Language: French
Origin: ‘first’, from Latin primarius; → PRIMARY1 BESTbest or most important:
one of Dublin’s premier hotelshotel
verbVerb form1[intransitive and transitive]BORROW to regularly pay money to live in a house or room that belongs to someone else, or to use something that belongs to someone else: Most students rent rooms in their second year.studentrendroomI’d rather have my own house than rent.rendrent something from somebodySome farmers rent their land from the council.farmerrend2(also rent out) [transitive]LEND to let someone live in a house, room etc that you own, or use your land, in return for money SYN let British Englishrent something (out) to somebodyShe rents out two rooms to students.rentroomstudent3[transitive] especially American EnglishBORROW to pay money for the use of something for a short period of time SYN hire British English: Will you rent a car while you’re in Spain?rendTHESAURUSto pay money to use somethingrent to pay money to use a house, room, vehicle, piece of equipment, area of land etc: He rented a room in a house on the Old Kent Road.rent | They flew out to New York and rented a car at the airport.flyrenthire British English to pay money to use a car or a piece of clothing or equipment for a short period of time: Why don't we hire a van for the day? | You can hire suits for weddings.suitweddinglease to have a legal agreement under which you pay money to a person or company in order to use a building, area of land, vehicle, piece of equipment etc for a fixed period of time : They leased the offices from an American company.leaseoffice | The car is leased from BMW.beleaseto allow somebody to use something for moneyrent/rent something out to allow someone to use a house, room, vehicle, piece of equpiment, area of land etc in return for money: She rents the flat out to students.rentstudentlet/let something out to allow someone to use a room, house, building etc in return for money: Some people don't want to let rooms to foreigners.roomforeigner | They let the house out while they were on holiday.belease/lease something out to make a legal agreement which allows a person or company to use something that you own for a fixed period of time: Santa Clara ' s Redevelopment Agency leased the existing city golf course to developers.leaseexistdeveloperrent at/for something phrasal verb if a house rents at or for an amount of money, that is how much you must pay to use it: Houses here rent for at least $1,500 a week.houserendlittle
rentnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Word sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesrentrentsrentrent2 S2 W3 nounSense 1-3:Date: 1100-1200
Language: Old French
Origin: rente, from Vulgar Latin rendita, from Latin reddere; → RENDERSense 4:
Date: 1500-1600
Origin: rend 1[uncountable and countable]COST the money that someone pays regularly to use a room, house etc that belongs to someone else:
I pay the rent at the beginning of every month.rendbeginrent ofan annual rent of £8,000rend2[uncountable and countable] especially American EnglishCOST an amount of money that you pay to use a car, boat etc that belongs to someone else: The rent was only $20 an hour.rendbe3for rent available to be rented: Luxury villas for rent.villarend4[countable]HOLE formal a large tear in something made of cloth: huge rents in the curtainsrentcurtainCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + renthigh Rents in the city centre are very high.rentbelow Our workers get low rents and other advantages.workerrentadvantageexorbitant (=extremely high) Some landlords charge exorbitant rents.landlordrentfixed The rent is fixed for three years.rendbefixyearaffordable (=which people can easily pay) The government plans to provide more homes at affordable rents.planhomerentthe annual/monthly/weekly rent Our annual rent is just over $15000.rendbeground rent British English (=rent paid to the owner of the land that a house, office etc is built on) There is an additional ground rent of £30 per month.begrindrenda peppercorn rent British English (=an extremely low rent) The colonel let us have the cottage for a peppercorn rent.rendback rent (=rent you owe for an earlier period) Mrs Carr said she is still owed several thousand dollars in back rent.saybeowedollarrendthe rent is due (=it must be paid at a particular time) The rent is due at the beginning of the week.rendbebeginverbspay the rent She couldn’t afford to pay the rent.rendincrease/raise the rent (also put up the rent British English) The landlord wants to put up the rent.wantrendfall behind with the rent/get behind on the rent (=fail to pay your rent on time) You could be evicted if you fall behind with the rent.canevictrendcollect the rent His job is to collect the rents from the tenants.berenttenantthe rent increases/goes up The rent has gone up by over 50% in the last two years.rendhavegoyearrent + NOUNa rent increase How can they justify such big rent increases?rendincreaserent arrears British English (=money that you owe because you have not paid your rent) The most common debts were rent arrears.debtberenda rent book British English (=a book that shows the payments you have made in rent)THESAURUScost the amount of money you need to buy or do something. Cost is usually used when talking in a general way about whether something is expensive or cheap rather than when talking about exact prices: The cost of running a car is increasing.runbeincrease | the cost of raw materialsmaterialprice the amount of money you must pay for something that is for sale: They sell good-quality clothes at reasonable prices.clotheprice | the price of a plane ticket to New Yorkvalue the amount of money that something is worth: A new kitchen can increase the value of your home.charge the amount that you have to pay for a service or to use something: Hotel guests may use the gym for a small charge.guest | bank chargeschargefee the amount you have to pay to enter a place or join a group, or for the services of a professional person such as a lawyer or a doctor: There is no entrance fee.be | The membership fee is £125 a year.be | legal feesfeefare the amount you have to pay to travel somewhere by bus, plane, train etc: I didn’t even have enough money for my bus fare. | fare increasesincreaserent the amount you have to pay to live in or use a place that you do not own: The rent on his apartment is $800 a month.rendberate a charge that is set according to a standard scale: Most TV stations offer special rates to local advertisers.stationrateadvertisertoll the amount you have to pay to travel on some roads or bridges: You have to pay tolls on many French motorways.tollmotorway
rentCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesrentrentrent3 the past tense and past participle of rend
to say a list of things quickly and without much effort
Thesaurus: to make a list, or to add something to a listsynonym types of listhyponym
Main entry: reel
nounWord familyDate: 1500-1600Language: Late Latin
Origin: Greek, ‘action, theater plays’, from dran ‘to do’ 1[uncountable and countable] a play for the theatre, television, radio etc, usually a serious one, or plays in general → comedy:
the great traditions of ancient Greek dramatraditiona TV/television/radio dramathe award-winning TV drama ‘Prime Suspect’wina new drama series for Saturday nightsnighta drama critica courtroom drama (=one that takes place in a court of law)a lavish costume drama (=one about events in a past century)He plays a Russian spy in the comedy drama ‘Sleepers’.playsleeper2[uncountable] acting – used when talking about it as a subject to study or teach: young actors coming out of drama schoolactorcomeour drama teacher3[uncountable and countable]EXCITED an exciting event or set of events, or the quality of being exciting: Maggie’s life is always full of drama.beaccidents, burst pipes, and other domestic dramasaccidentpipedramaa night of high drama (=very exciting events)the drama of the moment4make a drama out of somethingSERIOUS SITUATION to become upset about a small problem and make it seem worse than it really is: Brian always makes such a drama out of everything.make5drama queen a woman or homosexual man who tends to behave as if situations are worse than they really are – used to show disapprovalCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + drama a TV/television/radio drama The book has been made into a television drama.havebemakea costume drama (=about events in history, in which people wear costumes from that time) a costume drama set in 17th century Francea historical drama (=about events in the past) She starred in a historical drama about Marie Antoinette.stara medical/hospital drama (=about events in a hospital) He played a doctor in the US medical drama 'ER'.playa crime drama (=about a crime or crimes) 'American Gangster' is a crime drama set in 1970s New York.bea courtroom drama (=about events in a court) The lawyer and sleuth Perry Mason was the hero of 82 courtroom dramas.bedramaa romantic drama (=about a romance) It is a wartime romantic drama.bea comedy/tragic drama (=about funny/very sad events) Martin Clunes is to star in a new comedy drama.bea police/cop drama (=about the police) 'The Bill' is a popular police drama.bea three-part/six-part etc drama (=having three/six etc programmes) It’s a new four-part crime drama starting on Monday night.starta Greek drama (=a play from Ancient Greece) the tragic Greek drama, 'Oedipus'drama + NOUNa drama series/serial (=a number of programmes with the same characters) It is one of the longest-running drama series on Japanese television.belongrun
adjective
Word familyDate: 1400-1500Language: Latin
Origin: present participle of silere ‘to be silent’ 1not speaking a)SAY#not saying anything:
Alan was silent.beremain/stay/keep silentShe kept silent, forcing Buchanan to continue.keepforceThe crowd fell silent (=became silent) when the President appeared.fallappear b)TALK2#[only before noun] not talking much to other peoplethe strong silent type (=a man who looks strong and does not talk very much)RegisterSilent is used mainly in writing. In everyday English, people usually use not say anything rather than be silent:She didn’t say anything, so I carried on.carryThe article doesn’t say anything about religion.2not communicatingTALK2#SAY# failing or refusing to talk about something or express an opinionsilent on/aboutThe report was silent on the subject.be3quietQUIET without any sound, or not making any sound: The large house was silent and lonely.beAt last the guns fell silent.gunfallJulie offered up a silent prayer that she would pass her exam.offerwillas silent as the grave (=completely silent in a mysterious or uncomfortable way)4films [only before noun] a silent film has pictures but no sound5letter a silent letter in a word is not pronounced: The ‘w’ in ‘wreck’ is silent.be—silentlysilently adverb: He sat silently by the bed.sit
noun [countable]Word family FAMILYa member of your family SYN relation: a gathering of friends and relativesgatherfriendrelativea close/distant relativeHer boyfriend is a distant relative of mine.beCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesa close relative (=a brother, parent, aunt etc) He lost several close relatives in the war.loserelativea distant relative She claims to be a distant relative of the Queen.claima blood relative (=one related by birth not marriage) 332 kidneys were donated last year by blood relatives or spouses.kidneybedonaterelativespousea living/surviving relative As far as she knew, she had no living relatives.knowhaveliverelativephrasesa relative by marriage How many women would be willing to care for distant relatives by marriage?womanwillwillrelativefriends and relatives About thirty-five close friends and relatives attended the wedding.friendrelativeattendTHESAURUSrelative a member of your family, especially one who does not live with you: Most of her relatives were able to come to the wedding.relativebe | We have some distant relatives in Australia.relativerelation a member of your family. Relation means the same as relative. It is often used when talking about whether someone is in the same family as another person: Big cities can be lonely places if you have no friends or relations there.cityplacefriendrelation | ‘What relation is she to you?’ ‘She’s my half sister.’be | He’s no relation to the singer.descendant someone who is a family member of a person who lived and died a long time ago, for example the great-grandchild of that person: The people are the descendants of slaves who were brought over from Africa.bedescendantslavebebringancestor a member of your family who lived a long time ago, especially hundreds of years ago: My ancestors originally came from Ireland.ancestorcomeforefathers especially written people in your family who lived a long time ago - often used in historical descriptions: His forefathers came to America over a century ago.forefathercomeextended family a family group that consists not only of parents and children, but also includes grandparents, aunts etc: Extended families rarely live together in Britain, but they are still important.extendfamilybefolks especially American English informal your family, especially your parents: Are you going to see your folks at Christmas?begofolknext of kin the person or people who are most closely related to you, for example your husband or mother, and who need to be told if something serious happens to you: The next of kin must be notified of his death before his name is released to the press.notifyberelease
relativeadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Phrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesrelativerelativerelative2 W2 adjectiveWord family1COMPAREhaving a particular quality when compared with something else: The relative merits of both approaches have to be considered.meritapproachconsiderher opponent’s relative lack of experienceYou may think you’re poor, but it’s all relative (=you are not poor compared to some people).2relative to something formalCONNECTED WITH connected with a particular subject: facts relative to this issuefact
verb (past tense and past participle relied, present participle relying, third person singular relies)Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: relier, from Latin religare ‘to tie back’ Verb formrely on/upon somebody/something phrasal verb1DEPEND ON/RELY ONto trust or depend on someone or something to do what you need or expect them to do → reliable, reliance:
I knew I could rely on David.knowcanrely on somebody/something to do somethingMany working women rely on relatives to help take care of their children.workwomanrelativechildrely on/upon somebody/something forMany people now rely on the Internet for news.2DEPEND ON/RELY ONto depend on something in order to continue to live or exist: For its income, the company relies heavily on only a few contracts.relycontractrely on/upon somebody/something forThey have to rely on the river for their water.
noun (plural surgeries)Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: cirurgie, from Latin, from Greek cheirourgia, from cheirourgos ‘working with the hand’, from cheir ‘hand’ + ergon ‘work’ 1[uncountable] medical treatment in which a surgeon cuts open your body to repair or remove something inside → operationsurgery on
She required surgery on her right knee.requiresurgery for He underwent surgery for lung cancer.undergoin surgeryShe was in surgery for two hours Thursday.behour → cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery2[uncountable] especially American English the place where operations are done in a hospital SYN operating room American English, theatre British English: Dr. Hanson is in surgery.be3[countable] British English a place where a doctor or dentist gives treatment SYN office American English4[uncountable] British English a regular period each day when people can see a doctor or dentist SYN office hours American English: Surgery is from 9 am to 1 pm on weekdays.bebeweekday5[countable] British English a special period of time when people can see a Member of Parliament to discuss problemsCOLLOCATIONSverbshave surgery Leslie had surgery on her toe last year.haveundergo surgery formal (=have surgery) He underwent surgery to remove a bullet from his chest.undergo | There are risks if you choose to undergo surgery.beriskdo/carry out surgery (also perform surgery formal) A San Antonio doctor has volunteered to perform the surgery at no cost.havevolunteerneed surgery (also require surgery formal) He is likely to need surgery in the near future.beADJECTIVES/NOUN + surgerysuccessful The surgery was successful and he’s recovering well.berecovermajor/minor surgery He will require major surgery to remove the lump. | The President will undergo minor surgery today to remove a small growth from his finger.heart/knee/brain etc surgery She is now fit again after knee surgery.beemergency surgery (=done quickly, in an emergency) The teenager underwent emergency surgery after a bullet pierced her lung.undergopiercecosmetic/plastic surgery (=surgery to improve someone’s appearance) More and more people are choosing to have plastic surgery.bechooselaser surgery (=surgery done using a laser) The doctor suggested laser surgery to improve her sight.suggestkeyhole surgery (=surgery done through a very small hole in the skin) The operation will be done using keyhole surgery.douseelective surgery formal (=surgery that is not necessary, but you choose to have) There are often long waiting times for elective surgery.bewaittimeCOMMON ERRORS ► Do not say 'make surgery'. For a doctor, say perform surgery or carry out surgery. For the patient, say have surgery or undergo surgery.THESAURUSoperation noun [countable] the process of cutting into someone’s body to repair or remove a part that is damaged: He had an operation to remove a blood clot from his brain.haveprocedure noun [countable] an operation performed in a particular way on a particular part of the body. Procedure is used especially in medical English, for example by doctors and people who work in hospitals. In everyday English people usually say operation: a common surgical procedure | The procedure normally only takes a few minutes.takeminutetransplant noun [countable] an operation to remove an organ from one person’s body and put it into another person’s body: There is a shortage of donors for heart transplants.bedonortransplant | She had to have a kidney transplant.havesurgery noun [uncountable] medical treatment involving an operation: She required surgery on her right knee.require | He was taken in for surgery.betakeplastic surgery noun [uncountable] surgery to improve someone’s appearance: The singer has just had plastic surgery on her nose.havehavebypass noun [countable] an operation to make someone’s blood flow past a part of their heart that is blocked or damaged, often using a vein that has been removed from another part of their body: He went into hospital for a triple heart bypass.goskin graft an operation to repair an area of skin that has been badly damaged, especially using skin from another part of someone’s body: Her leg was severely burned and may require a skin graft.beburn
adverbWord family1EXACTexactly and correctly SYN exactly: Temperature can be measured precisely.measureHe arrived at precisely four o'clock.arriveprecisely what/how/where etcIt is difficult to know precisely how much impact the changes will have.bechangeWhat, precisely, does that mean?doLathes make wheels, or, more precisely, they make cylindrical objects.lathewheelobject2EXACTused to emphasize that a particular thing is completely true or correct: Women in these jobs are paid less precisely because most of the jobs are held by women rather than men.womanjobbepaylittlejobbeholdwomanmanShe’s precisely the kind of person we’re looking for.look3spoken formalAGREE used to say that you agree completely with someone: ‘It needs to be dealt with now.’ ‘Precisely, before it gets any worse.’needdealgetillTHESAURUSexactly used when emphasizing that something is no more and no less than a number or amount, or is completely correct in every detail: The bill came to exactly $1,000.come | Police are still trying to find out exactly how the accident happened.betryhappenprecisely exactly – used when it is important to be sure that something is completely correct in every detail: We need to know precisely how much this is going to cost.bego | Can you tell us precisely where he is?be | What precisely do you mean by ‘relativity’?just especially spoken exactly – used especially when saying that things are exactly right, exactly the same, or exactly in a particular position: The frame is just the right size for the picture.be | He and his brother are just the same.be | The hotel is just next to the station.be | A new handbag! That’s just what I wanted.wantright exactly in a particular position or direction: The ball hit me right in the eye! | There’s the house, right in front of you. | I got a mosquito bite right on the end of my nose.get | He sat down right beside her.sitdirectly exactly in a particular position or direction Directly is more formal than right: Amy was sitting directly opposite me.besiton the dot informal at exactly a particular time, and no earlier or later than that time: She always leaves the office at 5.30 p.m. on the dot.leavebang British English informal exactly – used especially in the following very informal expressions: The train was bang on time.be | The shot was bang on target.shootbe | Cockatoo Island is right bang in the middle of Sydney harbour.be
verb (past tense sank /sæŋk/ or sunk /sʌŋk/ American English, past participle sunk /sʌŋk/)
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: sincan Verb form1in water [intransitive] to go down below the surface of water, mud etc OPP float:
Their motorboat struck a rock and began to sink.strikebeginThe kids watched as the coin sank to the bottom of the pool.kidwatchsinkThe heavy guns sank up to their barrels in the mud.gunsinkbarrel2boat [transitive] to damage a ship so badly that it sinks: A luxury yacht was sunk in a bomb attack yesterday.besink3move lower [intransitive] to move downwards to a lower level: The sun was sinking behind the coconut palms.besinkpalmHer chin sank onto her chest, and she looked despairing.sinklookdespair4fall/sit down [intransitive]FALL to fall down or sit down heavily, especially because you are very tired and weaksink into/to/down/back etcShe let out a groan and sank into a chair.sinkHe let go of her shoulders and she sank at once to the floor.shouldersinkMarion sank down on a rock, and wept.sinkweepThe minister sank to his knees (=he went down into a kneeling position) and prayed.sinkkneepray5get worse [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]WORSE to gradually get into a worse conditionsink intoThey lost all their money and sank into desperate poverty.losesinkThe good mood left me and I sank into depression.leavesinkThe doctor said that the boy was sinking fast (=getting weaker and about to die).saybesink6your heart sinks (also your spirits sink)SAD/UNHAPPYHOPE# used to say that you lose hope or confidence: His heart sank the way it always did when she left him.sinkdoleaveShe felt desperately tired, and her spirits sank.feeltirespiritsink7lower amount/value [intransitive]VALUE#LESS to go down in amount or value SYN drop OPP rise: Shares in the company have sunk as low as 620p.sharesinksink toThe population of the village sank to just a few families.sinkfamily8voice [intransitive] writtenQUIET if your voice sinks, it becomes very quietsink to/intoHer voice sank to a whisper.sink9sinking feeling informalHOPE# the unpleasant feeling that you get when you suddenly realize that something bad is going to happen: I had a sinking feeling inside as I realized I was going to fail yet again.havesinkfeelrealizebego10be sunk spoken to be in a situation where you are certain to fail or have a lot of problems: If I don’t get paid by next week, I’ll really be sunk.paysink11sink without trace especially British English (also sink like a stone especially American English) if something sinks without trace, it fails quickly or no one pays attention to it: He made a few records, which all sank without trace.makerecordsink12sink so low (also sink to doing something)BAD BEHAVIOUR OR ACTIONS to be dishonest enough or selfish enough to do something very bad or unfair SYN stoop: How could he have sunk so low?cansink13use something sharp [transitive]PUT to put your teeth or something sharp into someone’s flesh, into food etcsink something into somethingThe dog sank its teeth into my arm.sinktoothShe sank her fork into the pie.sink14dig into ground [transitive]DIG if you sink something such as a well or part of a building, you dig a hole to put it into the ground: A well was sunk in the back garden, and water could be pumped up into the kitchen.besinkcanpump15sink or swimSUCCEED IN DOING STHFAIL to succeed or fail without help from anyone else: They don’t give you a lot of guidance – you’re just left to sink or swim, really.leave16money [transitive] to spend a lot of money on somethingsink something in/into somethingThey sank their entire savings into their house.sinksaving17ball [transitive] to put a ball into a hole or basket in games such as golf or basketball18sink your differences British EnglishFORGIVE to agree to stop arguing and forget about your disagreements, especially in order to unite and oppose someone else: Nations must sink their differences to achieve greater security.nationdifferencegreat19drink [transitive] British English informalDRINK to drink alcohol, especially in large quantities: We sank a few pints at the pub first.sinkpintsink in phrasal verb UNDERSTANDREALIZEif information, facts etc sink in, you gradually understand them or realize their full meaning: He paused a moment for his words to sink in.pausewordThe implications of Labour’s defeat were beginning to sink in.implicationbebegin
sinknounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Word sets 1Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplessinksinkssinksink2 S3 noun [countable]
a large open container that you fill with water and use for washing yourself, washing dishes etc → basin: Dirty plates were piled high in the sink.platebepile → everything but the kitchen sink at everything(7)
sinkadjectiveCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplessinksinksink3 adjective sink estate/school British English an area where people live or a school that is in a very bad condition and seems unlikely to improve: Go to almost any city and you find sink estates where you get the feeling that the council hates the place and the people too.estatefeelhate
verb (past tense and past participle stripped, present participle stripping)
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: -strypan Verb form1take off clothes a)[intransitive and transitive] (also strip off)TAKE OFF CLOTHES to take off your clothes or take off someone else’s clothes → undress:
Jack stripped and jumped into the shower.stripjumpThe prisoner was stripped and beaten.bestripbeatstrip off somethingHe stripped off his sweater and threw it onto the couch.stripthrowEric stood in the hot sun, stripped to the waist (=not wearing any clothes on the top half of his body).standstripTerry stripped down to her bra and pants (=removed all her clothes except her bra and pants) and tried on the dress.strippanttryThe boys stripped naked and jumped in the pond.boystripjump b)[intransitive] to take off your clothes in a sexually exciting way as entertainment for someone else2remove [transitive]REMOVE to remove something that is covering the surface of something else: Strip the beds and wash the sheets.bedsheetstrip something off/from somethingWe need to strip the wallpaper off the walls first.wallstrip something of somethingtall windows stripped of curtainswindowstripcurtain3engines/equipment [transitive] (also strip down)SEPARATE to separate an engine or piece of equipment into pieces in order to clean or repair it SYN dismantle4building/ship etc [transitive]REMOVE to remove everything that is inside a building, all the equipment from a car etc so that it is completely empty: The apartment had been stripped bare.havebestrip5damage [transitive] to damage or break the gears of something or the thread (=raised line) on a screw so that it does not work correctly any more → asset strippingstrip something ↔ away phrasal verb GET RID OFto remove something, especially something that hides or protects someone or something: His book aims to strip away the lies and show the world as it really is.aimliebestrip somebody of something phrasal verb TAKE STH FROM SBto take away something important from someone as a punishment, for example their title, property, or power: Captain Evans was found guilty and stripped of his rank.befindstrip
stripnounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2Word sets 1 2 3 4Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesstripstripsstripstrip2 W3 noun [countable]Date: 1400-1500Origin: Perhaps from Middle Low German strippe ‘strap’ 1PIECEa long narrow piece of paper, cloth etc:
a strip of paper2AREAa long narrow area of land: A strip of sand between the cliffs and the sea.cliff3do a stripTAKE OFF CLOTHES to take your clothes off, especially in a sexually exciting way as a form of entertainment4American English a road with a lot of shops, restaurants etc along it: the Las Vegas stripla5[usually singular] British English the clothes worn by a sports team: Liverpool’s famous red strip6a strip cartoon → comic strip, landing strip, → tear somebody off a strip at tear2(8)THESAURUSpiece an amount of something that has been cut or separated from the main part: Could I have another piece of cake?can | a piece of broken glassbreak | Emma cut the pie into eight pieces.piecebit a piece. Bit is more informal than piece and is often used about smaller pieces: The notes were written on bits of paper.notebewritebit | He threw a bit of wood onto the fire.throwbitelump a small piece of something solid or firm that does not have a regular shape: two lumps of sugarlump | a lump of coal | a lump of clayscrap a small piece of paper, cloth etc that is no longer needed: I wrote the phone number on a scrap of paper.writenumb | The dog was eating scraps of food off the floor.beeatscrapstrip a long narrow piece of cloth, paper etc: a strip of cloth | The leather had been cut into strips.havebestripsheet a thin flat piece of something such as paper, glass, or metal: a blank sheet of paper | a sheet of aluminiumslice a thin flat piece of bread, cake, meat etc cut from a larger piece: a slice of pizza | Cut the tomatoes into thin slices.tomatoslicechunk a piece of something solid that does not have a regular shape – used especially about food, rock, or metal: The fruit was cut into large chunks.bechunk | a chunk of breadhunk a large piece with rough edges, which has been cut or has broken off a bigger piece of food, rock etc: a big hunk of cheese | hunks of concretehunkblock a piece of something solid, which has straight sides: concrete blocksblock | a block of cheese | a block of iceslab a thick flat piece of stone, or of cake, meat etc: The floor had been made from stone slabs.havebemakeslab | a slab of beefcube a piece that has six square sides – used especially about food: a cube of sugar | ice cubescubewedge a piece that has a thick end and a pointed end, and is shaped like a triangle – used especially about food and metal: a wedge of cheesebar a block of soap, chocolate, candy, or metal, which has straight sides: a chocolate bar | a bar of soap | gold bars worth more than £26 millionbarrasher British English a slice of bacon: I usually have two rashers of bacon for breakfast.rasher
noun
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: sceaduw-, stem of sceadu; → SHADE1
1dark shape [countable]DARK the dark shape that someone or something makes on a surface when they are between that surface and the light: the long dark shadow of an old oak treein the shadow of somethingIt was hot, and we decided to walk in the shadow of the wall (=along the wall, where its shadow would fall).bedecide2darkness [uncountable] (also shadows [plural])DARK darkness caused by something preventing light from reaching a placein shadowThe room was half in shadow.bein the shadowsIn the shadows, something moved.shadowmove3bad effect/influence [singular] the bad effect or influence that something has, which makes other things seem less enjoyable, attractive, or impressivein/under the shadow of somethingFor years, people had been living under the shadow of communism.yearhavebelivecast a shadow over/on something (=make something seem less enjoyable, attractive, or impressive)The events of September 11th cast a shadow over the celebrations.eventcelebration4without/beyond a shadow of a doubtCERTAINLY/DEFINITELY used to say that something is definitely true: Without a shadow of a doubt, he’s the most talented player we have.5in sb’s shadowSATISFIED# if you are in someone’s shadow, they are much more famous and successful than you are: Kate grew up in the shadow of her film star sister.grow6be a shadow of your former selfSAD/UNHAPPY to be weaker, less powerful, or worse than you were before: Lennox seemed like a shadow of his former self.seem7shadows under your eyesTIRED small dark areas under your eyes that you have when you are very tired: She looked pale, with deep shadows under her eyes.lookshadoweye8sb’s shadowFOLLOW someone who follows someone else everywhere they go9afraid/frightened/scared etc of your own shadow easily frightened or very nervous → five o'clock shadowCOLLOCATIONSverbscast/throw a shadow (=make it appear) The building cast a shadow across the narrow street.builda shadow falls somewhere (=appears on something) The footsteps came closer, and a shadow fell across the table.footstepcomeclosefallthe shadows lengthen (=get longer, as it gets later in the day) Already the shadows were lengthening.shadowbelengthenadjectivesa dark/black shadow She saw the dark shadow of a man in the doorway.seea long shadow Long shadows stretched across the grass from the apple trees.shadowstretchtreeflickering shadows (=shadows that move about quickly) Candles cast strange flickering shadows on the walls.candleflickershadowwall
shadowverbCollocations from other entriesActivator 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesshadowshadowsshadowedshadowingshadowshadow2 verb [transitive]Word familyVerb form1FOLLOWto follow someone closely in order to watch what they are doing: Detectives shadowed him for weeks.detectiveshadowweek2[usually passive] literaryDARK to cover something with a shadow, or make it dark: a narrow street which was shadowed by a huge Catholic churchbeshadow
shadowadjectiveCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesshadowshadowshadow3 adjective [only before noun]Word family1Shadow Chancellor/Foreign Secretary etc the politician in the main opposition party in the British parliament who would become chancellor etc if their party was in government, and who is responsible for speaking on the same subjects2Shadow Cabinet the group of politicians in the British parliament who would become ministers if their party was in government
nounWord family1LIVING/ALIVE[uncountable] the state of continuing to live or existsurvival ofIllegal hunting is threatening the survival of the species.huntbethreatenThe doctors gave him a one in ten chance of survival.doctorgiveA lot of small companies are having to fight for survival (=work hard in order to continue to exist).companybehave2survival of the fittestCOMPETE WITH/TRY TO BEAT a situation in which only the strongest and most successful people or things continue to exist3a survival from something especially British EnglishREMAIN/BE LEFT something that has continued to exist from a much earlier period, especially when similar things have disappeared SYN relic: The cult is a survival from the old Zoroastrian religion.beCOLLOCATIONSadjectiveslong-term survival The long-term survival of polar bears is at risk.bearbecontinued survival The continued survival of this species of dolphin seems unlikely.continueseemeconomic survival Both countries depend on wildlife-based tourism for their economic survival.countrybasepolitical survival The prime minister is fighting for his political survival.befightsurvival + NOUNthe survival rate The survival rate of animals returned to the wild remains an unanswered question.animalreturnremainsb’s survival instinct (=a natural ability to know how to survive) My survival instinct told me to get up and run.tellsurvival skills They learned survival skills from the local Indian tribe.learnskilla survival strategy The best survival strategy is to avoid putting yourself in unnecessary danger.wellbeputverbsfight/struggle for survival Many construction companies are fighting for survival.companybefightensure the survival of something/somebody Controlling land development would ensure the survival of many types of wildlife.controlwilltypeowe your survival to somebody/something The frogs owe their survival to a conservation program.frogphrasessb’s chance(s) of survival He knew that his chances of survival were small.knowchancebesb’s fight/struggle/battle for survival Their lives had been one long struggle for survival.livehavebe
nounWord family1[countable]HIT an act of hitting someone many times as a punishment or in a fight: a brutal beatingbeat2take a beatingLOSE A GAME, COMPETITION, OR WAR to lose very badly in a game or competition: The Dodgers took a real beating on Saturday.dodgertakebeat → take some beating at beat1(11)
noun [countable]Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: essample, from Latin exemplum; → EXAMPLE 1PARTa small part or amount of something that is examined in order to find out something about the wholesample of
I’d like to see some samples of your work.sampleThey took a blood sample to test for hepatitis.take2TRY STH TO SEE IF IT IS GOODa small amount of a product that people can try in order to find out what it is likesample ofsamples of a new shampoosample3GROUP OF PEOPLEa small group of people who have been chosen from a larger group to give information or answers to questions: The sample consisted of 98 secondary school teachers.consistteacherOut of a random sample of drivers, 21% had been in an accident in the previous year.driverhavebea nationally representative sample of over 950 elderly personsperson4a small part of a song from a CD or record that is used in a new song: Her latest album makes extensive use of samples from a wide range of acid jazz tracks.latemakesampletrackCOLLOCATIONSNOUN + samplea blood/urine/tissue etc sample He compared the samples with a blood sample from Mr Green.comparesamplea water/soil etc sample They analysed soil samples collected from streams.analysesamplecollectstreama DNA sample Archaeologists are studying DNA samples from ancient Egyptian mummies.archaeologistbestudysamplemummyverbstake/collect a sample The study took samples from workers at four nuclear plants.takesampleworkerplantgive/provide a sample He said he had once fainted when giving a sample of blood.sayhavefaintgiveanalyse/test a sample All the samples were tested for bacteria.samplebetest
sampleverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplessamplesamplessampledsamplingsamplesample2 verb [transitive]Verb form1TASTE OF FOOD OR DRINKto taste food or drink in order to see what it is like: a chance to sample the local food2GROUP OF PEOPLEto choose some people from a larger group in order to ask them questions or get information from them: 18% of the adults sampled admitted having had problems with alcohol abuse.adultsampleadmithavehaveproblem3TRY TO DO OR GET STHto try an activity, go to a place etc in order to see what it is like: Here’s your chance to sample the delights of country life.delight4to use a small part of a song from a CD or record in a new song: Many of his songs have been sampled by other artists.songbesampleartist
noun
Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: Latin granum ‘seed’ 1food a)[uncountable] the seeds of crops such as corn, wheat, or rice that are gathered for use as food, or these crops themselves:
big sacks of grainsackLast year’s grain harvest was the biggest ever.bebig b)[countable] a single seed of corn, wheat etc: grains of ricegrain2lines in wood etc [singular] the natural lines you can see in a substance such as wood, which are the result of its structurealong the grain (=in the same direction as the grain)Cut along the grain of the wood.across the grain (=at 90 degrees to the grain)3small piece [countable]PIECE a single very small piece of a substance such as sand or saltgrain ofa grain of sandThere were crumbs and grains of sugar on the table.becrumbgrain4a grain of somethingLITTLE/NOT MUCH a very small amount of something: The story wouldn’t have fooled anyone with a grain of sense.foolThere is a grain of truth in all folklore and legend.be5against the grainDON'T LIKE if something goes against the grain, it is not what you would naturally or normally do: Mary is always honest and it went against the grain to tell lies.begolie6measure [countable] the smallest unit for measuring weight, equal to about 0.06 grams. It is used for weighing medicines. → take something with a pinch/grain of salt at salt1(3)
nounWord family1[singular, uncountable]RECOVER/GET BETTER the process of getting better after an illness, injury etcmake a full/good/remarkable etc recoveryDoctors expect him to make a full recovery.doctorrecovery fromAnn made a quick recovery from her operation.make2[singular, uncountable]RECOVER/GET BETTER the process of returning to a normal condition after a period of trouble or difficulty: Hopes of economic recovery are fading.hopebefade3[uncountable]GET when you get something back that has been taken or lostrecovery ofthe recovery of the stolen moneystealCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1verbsmake a recovery She has since made a complete recovery.havemakespeed (up) sb’s recovery (=make them recover more quickly) She believes that a holiday would speed my recovery.believewillaid sb’s recovery (=help someone to recover) Although it is not a cure, the drug can aid recovery.beadjectivesa full/complete recovery She was severely injured but made a full recovery.beinjuremakea good/satisfactory recovery He is making a good recovery from a knee injury.bemakea remarkable/amazing/miraculous recovery Doctors have every confidence that Laura will continue her remarkable recovery.doctora speedy/quick/swift recovery We wish him a speedy recovery.COLLOCATIONSMeaning 2adjectivesan economic recovery The U.S. is showing solid signs of an economic recovery.beshowsigna sustained recovery (=that continues for a long time) Will these policies provide a basis for sustained recovery and sustained growth?policysustainsustaina modest recovery (=not very great) On the foreign exchanges the pound managed a modest recovery from Thursday’s slump.exchangemanagea slow recovery A slow recovery in the hotel market is likely to hold back the company’s profits.beprofit
noun
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: pryde, from prud ‘proud’ 1feeling of pleasure [uncountable]PROUD a feeling that you are proud of something that you or someone connected with you has achieved → proud:
He wore his medals with pride.wearmedalpride inHe takes great pride in his children’s achievements.takechildachievementThe people have a sense of pride in their community.His heart swelled with pride when his daughter came in.swellcomeShe felt a glow of pride when her name was announced for the prize.feelbeannounceSuccess in sport is a source of national pride.be2respectPRIDE/SELF-RESPECT [uncountable] a feeling that you like and respect yourself and that you deserve to be respected by other people → proudsb’s prideIt hurt his pride when his wife left him.leaveI think that getting a job would give him his pride back.getwillShe didn’t try to hide her anger and injured pride.injureIt’s a matter of pride for some men that their wives don’t have to work.manwife3too much pridePROUD [uncountable] a belief that you are better than other people and do not need their help or support → proudsb’s prideHis pride wouldn’t allow him to ask for help.She ought to swallow her pride (=ignore or forget her feelings of pride) and call him.4take pride in your work/appearance etc to do something very carefully and well, in a way that gives you a lot of satisfaction: Your should take more pride in your work.shallShe took great pride in her appearance.take5sb’s pride and joyPROUD a person or thing that someone is very proud of: His garden is his pride and joy.be6the pride of something a)PROUDthe thing or person that the people in a particular place are most proud of: Wigan’s rugby team was the pride of the town.be b)BESTthe best thing in a group: a beautiful Japanese sword that is the pride of our collectionbe7have/take pride of placeIMPORTANT if something has or takes pride of place, it is put in the best place for people to see because it is the thing you are most proud of: A large photograph of the children had pride of place on the sitting room wall.childhavesit8lions [countable] a group of lions: A young lion had strayed some distance from the pride.havestrayCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesgreat pride Caroline is pictured here holding the trophy with great pride.bepictureholdimmense pride (=very great) He takes immense pride in his grandson.takenational pride (=pride in your country) A flag is a symbol of national pride.becivic pride (=pride in your town or city) The museum is a vital source of civic pride.beverbstake pride in something (=feel proud of something) She takes pride in her beautiful gardens.takegardenbe bursting with pride (=feel very proud) I could see that her mother was bursting with pride.canbeburstswell with pride (=start to feel very proud) He would swell with pride as he discussed his department’s achievements.willdiscussachievementglow with pride (=look very proud) ‘I knew he could do it,’ she said, glowing with pride.knowcansayglowphrasesa sense of pride I still feel a sense of pride at having been a member of the regiment.havebea source of pride (=a reason to feel proud) The Chinese Olympic Games were a source of pride to the whole country.gamebeTHESAURUSsatisfaction a feeling of happiness or pleasure, especially because you have achieved something good or useful: Most teachers take great pride and satisfaction in their work.teacherpride a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction that you get when you or someone connected with you has achieved something good: Her father’s pride in her accomplishments was clear.accomplishmentbe | I was blushing with pride because I had been chosen to be on the team.beblushhavebechoosecontentment the feeling of being happy and satisfied because you have what you want or need. Contentment is rather a formal use: Only when you truly know yourself can you find contentment. | He sat back with a look of deep contentment on his face.sitfulfilment British English, fulfillment American English a feeling of being satisfied and happy with your life. Fulfilment is rather a formal use: Some women find fulfillment in being a mother, but this is not true for all women.womanbebewoman
prideverbCollocations from other entriesActivator 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplespridepridespridedpridingpridepride2 verbVerb form pride yourself on (doing) somethingPROUD to be especially proud of something that you do well, or of a good quality that you have: a restaurant that prides itself on speed of serviceprideShe prides herself on being a good listener.pridebe
verbWord familyDate: 1700-1800Origin: editor Verb form1[intransitive and transitive] to prepare a book, piece of film etc for printing or broadcasting by removing mistakes or parts that are not acceptable:
The newspaper edits letters before printing them.editletterprint2[transitive] to prepare a book or article for printing by deciding what to include and in what order: a collection of essays edited by John Gayessayedit3[transitive] to prepare a film by deciding what to include and in what order4[transitive] to be responsible for the information that is included in a newspaper, magazine etc: She used to edit the Observer.use—editeditsedit noun [countable]edit something ↔ out phrasal verb to remove something when you are preparing a book, piece of film etc for printing or broadcasting SYN cut: The interviewer’s questions have been edited out.questionbeedit
adjectiveWord familyDate: 1600-1700Language: Latin
Origin: present participle of reluctari ‘to fight against’ WILLINGslow and unwilling OPP willing:
She gave a reluctant smile.givereluctant to do somethingMaddox was reluctant to talk about it.be—reluctantlyreluctantly adverb: Reluctantly, he agreed.agreeTHESAURUSunwilling/not willing not wanting to do something and refusing to do it: She's unwilling to admit that she was wrong.be | Stuart was an unwilling participant in the shooting.beshoot | Put away any toys the child is not willing to share, to avoid any problems.toybewillproblemreluctant not willing to do something, although you may be persuaded after a while. Also used when someone does something after at first being unwilling to do it: He was reluctant to talk about his childhood.be | She gave a reluctant smile.give | the government's reluctant agreement to hold talkstalk | a reluctant herogrudging given unwillingly – used about admiration, respect, support, or an apology: He gave her a grudging apology.givegrudge | He could not help feeling a grudging admiration for the old lady.canfeelgrudgebe loath to do something to not want to do something, especially something that you might have to do – a rather formal use: He has more staff than he needs, but he is loath to get rid of good people.haveneedbe
noun (plural skies)Date: 1200-1300Language: Old Norse
Origin: ‘cloud’ 1[singular, uncountable] the space above the earth where clouds and the sun and stars appear:
The sky grew dark, and a cold rain began to fall.growbeginA shooting star sped across the night sky.shootspeedin the skyThere wasn’t a cloud in the sky.2skies [plural]WEATHER a word meaning ‘sky’, used especially when describing the weather or what the sky looks like in a place: a land of blue skies and warm sunshineskyThe skies were overcast, and it was chilly and damp.skybebe3the sky’s the limit spoken used to say that there is no limit to what someone can achieve, spend, win etc: Francis believes the sky’s the limit for the young goalkeeper.believe → pie in the sky at pie(4), → praise somebody/something to the skies at praise1(1)COLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2ADJECTIVES/NOUN + skyblue The sky was blue and the sun was shining.bebeshinegrey British English, gray AmE: Rain was starting to fall from the grey sky.bestartdark/black Fireworks burst up into the dark sky.fireworkcloudy/dull/overcast (=with clouds) Cloudy skies were forecast.skybebright/clear/cloudless (=without clouds) The sun rose higher in the cloudless sky.risehighazure literary (=bright blue) The sun shone out of a clear azure sky.shineleaden/lowering literary (=with a lot of grey cloud) The leaden skies cleared and the sun came out.skyclearcomea starry sky (=with a lot of stars) We had dinner on the terrace under a beautiful starry sky.havethe darkening sky (=becoming darker) Benjamin stared up at the darkening sky.staredarkenthe lightening sky (=becoming lighter) A plane flew across the lightening sky.flylightenthe night/evening/morning sky The moon is the brightest object visible in the night sky.bebrightthe summer/winter sky Her eyes were as blue as the summer sky.eyebethe open sky (=a large area of sky) They lay on the ground under the open sky.liegrinda big sky (=a sky that looks large) Montana is still a land of big skies.beskyverbsthe sky darkens The sky darkened and thunder rolled in from the west.darkenrollthe sky clouds over (=clouds appear) The sky was beginning to cloud over.bebeginthe sky clears (=the clouds disappear) By dawn the sky had cleared.haveclear
SkySkySkySky
→ see sky tv
noun (plural tendencies) [countable]Date: 1600-1700Language: Medieval Latin
Origin: tendentia, from Latin tendere; → TEND 1PROBABLYif someone or something has a tendency to do or become a particular thing, they are likely to do or become ita tendency to do something
Greg’s tendency to be critical made him unpopular with his co-workers.makeworkerThe drug is effective but has a tendency to cause headaches.behaveheadachetendency to/towardsSome people may inherit a tendency to alcoholism.tendency forResearchers believe that the tendency for diabetes is present at birth.researcherbe2IN GENERALa general change or development in a particular directionthere is a tendency (for somebody) to do somethingThere is an increasing tendency for women to have children later in life.beincreasewomanchildlatetendency to/towardsa general tendency towards conservation and recyclingrecycletendency amonga tendency among Americans to get married at a later agemarrylate3aggressive/suicidal/criminal/artistic etc tendenciesCHARACTER/PERSONALITY a part of someone’s character that makes them likely to behave in a certain way or become an artist, criminal etc: children with aggressive or anti-social tendencieschildtendency4[also + plural verb British English] a group within a larger political group that supports ideas that are usually more extreme than those of the main group: the growing fascist tendencygrowCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 3adjectivesa natural tendency (=one you are born with) His recent experiences had reinforced a strong natural tendency towards caution.experiencehavereinforcean inherent/innate tendency (=one that you are born with, which will not change) When attacked, some people have an inherent tendency to fight back.attacka strong tendency There is a strong tendency to give dying patients far more drugs than are necessary.bediepatientdrugbea marked tendency (=noticeable) There is a marked tendency for Hollywood marriages to end in divorce.bemarkmarriageaggressive/violent tendencies Some breeds of dog have aggressive tendencies.breedtendencysuicidal tendencies They failed to inform the prison authorities of the man's suicidal tendencies.failauthoritytendencycriminal tendencies How should we deal with young people who have criminal tendencies?shalltendencyartistic tendencies As he grew up, he displayed artistic tendencies.growdisplaytendency
noun [countable]Word family1CONTROLan instrument for controlling the temperature, speed etc of something: a heat regulator2RULE/REGULATIONsomeone who makes sure that a system operates properly or fairly: traffic safety regulatorsregulator
verbWord familyDate: 1400-1500Language: Latin
Origin: expandere, from pandere ‘to spread’ Verb form1[intransitive and transitive]INCREASE IN NUMBER OR AMOUNT to become larger in size, number, or amount, or to make something become larger → expansion OPP contract:
Water expands as it freezes.expandfreezeSydney’s population expanded rapidly in the 1960s.expandexercises that expand the chest musclesexercisemusclehis expanding waistlineexpand2[intransitive and transitive]INCREASE IN NUMBER OR AMOUNT if a company, business etc expands, or if someone expands it, they open new shops, factories etc → expansion: The computer industry has expanded greatly over the last decade.haveexpandThe hotel wants to expand its business by adding a swimming pool.wantaddswimthe rapidly expanding field of information technologyexpandexpand intoWe have plans to expand into the U.S. market.plan3[intransitive]CONFIDENT literary to become more confident and start to talk more: After a few whiskies he started to expand a little.whiskystartexpand on/upon something phrasal verb DETAILto add more details or information to something that you have already said: Payne later expanded on his initial statement.lateexpand
adjectiveWord family DEPEND ON/RELY ONsomeone or something that is reliable can be trusted or depended on SYN dependable → rely: a birth control method that is cheap and reliablebeMiller was a quiet and reliable man.be—reliablyreliably adverb—reliabilityreliabilitiesreliability /rɪˌlaɪəˈbɪləti, rɪˌlaɪəˈbɪlɪti/ noun [uncountable]
adjectiveWord familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: Latin sensibilis, from sensus; → SENSE1 1SENSIBLEreasonable, practical, and showing good judgement:
She seems very sensible.seemsensible adviceIt’s sensible to keep a note of your passport number.numbMoving house seemed like the sensible thing to do.moveseem ► A sensible person is reasonable and shows good judgement. A sensitive person is easily upset, or understands other people’s feelings and problems.2suitable for a particular purpose, and practical rather than fashionable: Eat a sensible diet and exercise daily.an old woman in sensible shoes and a neat skirtshoe3formalOBVIOUS noticeable: a sensible increase in temperature4be sensible of something literary to know or realize that something exists or is true SYN aware: He was very sensible of the difficult situation she was in.bebe—sensiblysensibly adverb
noun [countable]Date: 1400-1500Language: Old French
Origin: esclice ‘thin piece broken off’, from esclicier ‘to splinter’
1PIECEa thin flat piece of food cut from a larger pieceslice ofa slice of breadpizza slicesslicethin/thick slicea thin slice of hamCut the tomatoes into slices.tomatoslice2PARTa part or share of somethingslice ofEverybody wants a slice of the profits.wantprofit3fish slice British English a kitchen tool used for lifting and serving pieces of food SYN spatula American English4a way of hitting the ball in sports such as tennis or golf, that makes the ball go to one side with a spinning movement, rather than straight ahead5a slice of lifeREAL/NOT IMAGINARY a film, play, or book which shows life as it really isCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesa thin slice Serve it with thin slices of bread and butter.slicea thick slice Cut the aubergine into thick slices.slicea large/big slice He was eating a large slice of chocolate cake.beeata small slice She politely accepted a small slice of pie.accepta generous slice (=thick or big) He cut Donald a generous slice of ham.verbscut a slice He cut another slice of bread.cut something into slices Cut the orange into thin slices.sliceTHESAURUSpiece an amount of something that has been cut or separated from the main part: Could I have another piece of cake?can | a piece of broken glassbreak | Emma cut the pie into eight pieces.piecebit a piece. Bit is more informal than piece and is often used about smaller pieces: The notes were written on bits of paper.notebewritebit | He threw a bit of wood onto the fire.throwbitelump a small piece of something solid or firm that does not have a regular shape: two lumps of sugarlump | a lump of coal | a lump of clayscrap a small piece of paper, cloth etc that is no longer needed: I wrote the phone number on a scrap of paper.writenumb | The dog was eating scraps of food off the floor.beeatscrapstrip a long narrow piece of cloth, paper etc: a strip of cloth | The leather had been cut into strips.havebestripsheet a thin flat piece of something such as paper, glass, or metal: a blank sheet of paper | a sheet of aluminiumslice a thin flat piece of bread, cake, meat etc cut from a larger piece: a slice of pizza | Cut the tomatoes into thin slices.tomatoslicechunk a piece of something solid that does not have a regular shape – used especially about food, rock, or metal: The fruit was cut into large chunks.bechunk | a chunk of breadhunk a large piece with rough edges, which has been cut or has broken off a bigger piece of food, rock etc: a big hunk of cheese | hunks of concretehunkblock a piece of something solid, which has straight sides: concrete blocksblock | a block of cheese | a block of iceslab a thick flat piece of stone, or of cake, meat etc: The floor had been made from stone slabs.havebemakeslab | a slab of beefcube a piece that has six square sides – used especially about food: a cube of sugar | ice cubescubewedge a piece that has a thick end and a pointed end, and is shaped like a triangle – used especially about food and metal: a wedge of cheesebar a block of soap, chocolate, candy, or metal, which has straight sides: a chocolate bar | a bar of soap | gold bars worth more than £26 millionbarrasher British English a slice of bacon: I usually have two rashers of bacon for breakfast.rasher
sliceverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Word sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplessliceslicesslicedslicingsliceslice2 verbVerb form1[transitive] (also slice up)CUT to cut meat, bread, vegetables etc into thin flat pieces → chop: Thinly slice the cucumbers.cucumberSlice up the onions and add them to the meat.onionsliced hamslice2[intransitive, transitive always + adverb/preposition]CUT to cut something easily with one movement of a sharp knife or edgeslice into/throughThe blade’s so sharp it could slice through your finger.canslice something in two/halfSlice the eggs in two and arrange them on a serving dish.eggserve3[intransitive always + adverb/preposition]FAST/QUICK to move quickly and easily through something such as water or airslice through/intoThe boat was slicing through the sparkling waves.beslicesparklewave4[transitive] to hit a ball, for example in tennis or golf, so that it spins sideways instead of moving straight forward: With an open goal in front of him, Wiltord sliced his shot wide of the left post.sliceshootleave5any way you slice it American English spokenNO MATTER WHAT/HOW MUCH ETC whatever way you choose to consider the situation: It’s the truth, any way you slice it.slice something ↔ off phrasal verb1CUTto remove part of something by cutting it with one movement of a sharp knife or edge SYN cut off: His knife had slipped and sliced off the top of his finger.haveslipslice2to reduce a cost or total by a particular amount quickly and easilyslice something off somethingBy using volunteers, we were able to slice £10,000 off the cost of the project.usevolunteerbeTHESAURUScut to divide something into two or more pieces, especially using a knife or scissors: Do you want me to cut the cake? | He cut off the lower branches.lowbranchsnip to quickly cut something, especially using scissors: I snipped the label off.snip | The hairdresser snipped away at her hair.snipslit to make a long narrow cut through something, especially using a knife: He slit the envelope open with a penknife. | She slit through the plastic covering.coverslash to cut something quickly and violently with a knife, making a long thin cut: Someone had slashed the tyres on his car.haveslashtyre | He tried to slash his wrists.trywristsaw to cut wood, using a saw (=a tool with a row of sharp points): Saw the wood to the correct length.seechop to cut wood, vegetables, or meat into pieces: Bill was outside chopping up firewood with an axe.bechop | They chopped down the old tree.chop | finely chopped onionchopslice to cut bread, meat, or vegetables into thin pieces: I’ll slice the cucumber. | Slice the bread thinly.dice to cut vegetables or meat into small square pieces: First dice the apple into cubes.cubegrate to cut cheese or a hard vegetable by rubbing it against a special tool: Grate the cheese and sprinkle it over the vegetables.vegetablepeel to cut the outside part off something such as a potato or apple: I peeled the potatoes and put them in a saucepan.peelpotatocarve to cut thin pieces from a large piece of meat: Uncle Ray carved the turkey.carvemow to cut the grass in a garden, park etc: A gardener was mowing the lawn.bemowtrim (also clip) to cut a small amount off something, especially to make it look neater: He was trimming his beard.betrim | Trim the excess fat off the meat.
nounLanguage: Old English
1 [uncountable] a substance consisting of very small pieces of rocks and minerals, that forms beaches and deserts: a mixture of sand and cementI have sand in my shoe.2[uncountable and countable] an area of beach: miles of golden sandsmilsandWe were just sitting on the sand.besit3the sands of time literaryTIME/HOW LONG moments of time that pass quicklyTHESAURUSMeanings 1 & 2sand a substance that forms beaches and deserts, or an area of this substance: sunbathers lying on the sandlie | He could see several small figures out on the sands.canfiguresandbeach an area of sand or small stones at the edge of the sea or a lake: the island's golden beachesbeach | How about a day at the beach? | a pebble beachdesert a large area of land where it is always very hot and dry, and there is a lot of sand: the Sahara desert | They crossed the desert by camel.crossdune/sand dune a hill made of sand near the sea or in the desert: We went for a long walk along the dunes.godune | The dunes are home to a wide variety of birds and plants.dunebebirdplant
sandverbCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1Corpus examplessandsandssandedsandingsandsand2 (also sand downsand downssand downedsand downingsand down) verb [intransitive and transitive]Verb form to make a surface smooth by rubbing it with sandpaper or using a special piece of equipment
noun [countable]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: hyll 1an area of land that is higher than the land around it, like a mountain but smaller → uphill, downhill:
Their house is on a hill overlooking the sea.beoverlookA cart was making its way up the hill.bemake2a slope on a road: There’s a steep hill ahead. → downhill, uphill3the Hill American English Capitol Hill4over the hillOLD/NOT NEW no longer young, and therefore no longer attractive or good at doing things: Kathleen thinks she’s over the hill, but she’s only 32.think5it doesn’t amount to a hill of beans American English spokenUNIMPORTANT it is not importantCOLLOCATIONSadjectivessteep She pushed her bicycle up the steep hill.pushrolling/gentle hills (=hills with slopes that are not steep) He loved the green rolling hills of Dorset.loverollhilla long hill The bus started going up the long hill into town.startgoverbsclimb a hill (=walk or drive up a hill) She climbed the hill out of the village.climbgo down a hill It's best to use a low gear when you are going down steep hills.wellbegohillphrasesthe top of a hill The view from the top of the hill was beautiful.bethe brow/crest of a hill (=the top part of a hill) A tank appeared over the brow of the hill.appearthe bottom/foot of a hill The house was at the bottom of a hill.behill + NOUNa hill town the hill towns of Tuscanytownhill country (=a rural area where there are a lot of hills) the rough hill country on the Welsh borderTHESAURUSmountain a very high hill: the highest mountain in Austriahighhill an area of land that is higher than the land around it, which is like a mountain but smaller and usually has a rounded top: We went for a walk in the hills.gohill | The house is surrounded by woods, farmland and gentle hills.besurroundwoodhillMount (also Mt written abbreviation) used in the names of mountains. Don’t say ‘Fuji Mountain’ – say ‘Mount Fuji’: Mount Everestcliff the steep side of an area of land, often next to the sea: the white cliffs of Dovercliffprecipice especially literary a very steep and dangerous cliff: They were standing on the edge of a precipice.bestandcrag a high steep rock or mountain: An eagle sailed over the high crags.sailcragridge a long narrow area of high ground, especially at the top of a mountain: I could see a group of climbers high up on a ridge.canclimberknoll a small round hill: a grassy knollvolcano a mountain with a large hole at the top, through which lava (=hot liquid rock) is sometimes forced out: the eruption of a volcanosummit the very highest point of a mountain: the summit of Mt Everestpeak especially literary the top of a mountain: the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayascoverpeak | a distant peakrange/chain a group of mountains or hills arranged in a line: the mountain range that is part of the border between Norway and Swedenbefoothills a group of smaller hills below a range of high mountains: the Sierra foothillsfoothill
verbVerb form1[intransitive always + adverb/preposition, transitive] to travel on or across an area of water in a boat or shipsail across/into/out of etcthe first Europeans to sail across the AtlanticThree tall ships sailed past.shipsailShe always wanted to sail around the world.wantsail the Pacific/the Atlantic etcWe’re taking two months off to sail the Caribbean.takemonth2[intransitive] to start a journey by boat or ship: We sail at dawn.sail forThey’re sailing for Antigua next week.sail3[intransitive and transitive] to direct or control the movement of a boat or ship that has a sail: Blake sailed the ship safely through the narrow passage.sailMy father taught me to sail.teach4[intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to move quickly and smoothly through the airsail through/over/into etcA ball came sailing over the fence.comesail5[intransitive always + adverb/preposition]WALK to move forwards gracefully and confidently: She sailed into the room.sail6sail close to the wind British EnglishRISK to do or say something that is nearly wrong, illegal, or dishonestsail through something phrasal verb PASS A TESTto succeed very easily in a test, examination etc: Adam sailed through his final exams.sailexam
sailnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplessailsailssailsail2 nounLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: segl 1[countable] a large piece of strong cloth fixed onto a boat, so that the wind will push the boat along:
a yacht with white sailssailhoist/lower the sails (=put the sails up or down)2set sail to begin a journey by boat or shipset sail for/fromThe following week the ‘Queen Elizabeth’ set sail for Jamaica.follow3under sail literary moving along on a ship or boat that has sails
noun [countable]
Word familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Latin
Origin: thema, from Greek, ‘something laid down, theme’, from tithenai ‘to put’ 1SUBJECTsubject the main subject or idea in a piece of writing, speech, film etc:
The book’s theme is the conflict between love and duty.bemain/central/major etc themeCampbell has made health care a central theme in his campaign.havemakeNature is a recurrent theme (=a theme that appears repeatedly) in Frost’s poetry.beMost of Kurt’s other pictures were variations on the same theme.picturebevariation2theme music/song/tune music or a song that is often played during a film or musical play, or at the beginning and end of a television or radio programme: the theme song from ‘The Brady Bunch’3repeated tune a short simple tune that is repeated and developed in a piece of music: Freia’s theme in Wagner’s operaopus4style a particular style: Her bedroom is decorated in a Victorian theme.bedecorate5piece of writing American English old-fashioned a short piece of writing on a particular subject that you do for school SYN essaytheme onYour homework is to write a two-page theme on pollution.beCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesthe main/central/dominant theme The main theme of the book is the importance of honesty.bea major theme Cultural change is the second major theme of his work.bea common theme Death and rebirth is a common theme in Eliot’s poetry.bea recurrent/recurring theme (=one that appears several times) Returning to traditional values was a major theme of the president’s speech.returnvaluebean underlying theme (=one that is important but not very noticeable) One of the book’s underlying themes is the struggle for human rights.underliethemeberighta universal theme (=subjects that affect people of all races and cultures) Readers everywhere can relate to the universal themes in his work.readerthemephrasesvariations on a theme (=things with a similar basic subject, style etc) Most of her short stories are variations on the theme of tragedy.storybevariation
nounDate: 1300-1400Language: French
Origin: Latin divertere ‘to divert, leave one's husband’ 1[uncountable and countable] the legal ending of a marriage → separation:
Why doesn’t she get a divorce?One in three marriages ends in divorce.marriageendfile/sue/petition for divorce (=start the legal divorce process)His wife has started divorce proceedings.havestartproceedingthe rise in the divorce rateShe received the house as part of the divorce settlement (=the amount of money, property etc each person receives in a divorce case).receiveThe Act extended the grounds (=legal reasons) for divorce.extendground2[countable usually singular] formalSEPARATE the fact of separating two related thingsdivorce betweenthe divorce between theory and methodCOLLOCATIONSverbsget a divorce (=end your marriage) Their marriage had never been happy and in the end they got a divorce.havebegetgo through a divorce (=experience getting a divorce) I was going through a divorce and it was a very painful time.begobewant a divorce She told him she wanted a divorce.tellwantask (somebody) for a divorce She asked her husband for a divorce after he had been unfaithful.askhavebea marriage ends in divorce Five years later, their marriage ended in divorce.yearlateendfile for divorce (also petition for divorce formal) (=start the legal divorce process) The next day I saw a lawyer and filed for a divorce.seefileadjectivesa bitter divorce (=involving very angry feelings) After a long and bitter divorce, Wendy was looking forward to starting a new life.belookstarta messy divorce (=complicated and unpleasant to deal with) She wanted to avoid a messy divorce .wanta painful divorce (=causing a lot of sadness) I have been through a painful divorce, and know what it feels like.befeeldivorce + NOUNthe divorce rate (=the number of people who get a divorce) The country has a high divorce rate.havedivorce proceedings (=the legal processes of getting a divorce) His first marriage was unsuccessful and led to long divorce proceedings.beleadproceedinga divorce settlement (=the amount of money, property etc each person gets in a divorce) She received a $10 million divorce settlement from her first husband.receivea divorce case (=a legal case dealing with a divorce) It was the biggest divorce case that an English court has dealt with.bebighavedeala divorce lawyer/court (=one dealing with divorce) She's a famous New York divorce lawyer.divorce papers (=documents concerning a divorce) My husband refused to sign the divorce papers.refusepaperphrasesgrounds for divorce (=acceptable reasons for divorce, according to the law) Violence and neglect are grounds for divorce.beground
divorceverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2Word sets 1 2Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesdivorcedivorcesdivorceddivorcingdivorcedivorce2 verbWord familyVerb form1[intransitive and transitive] if someone divorces their husband or wife, or if two people divorce, they legally end their marriage → separate: David’s parents divorced when he was six.parentdivorcebeMy father threatened to divorce her.threaten2[transitive] formalSEPARATE to separate two ideas, subjects etc completelydivorce something from somethingIt is difficult to divorce sport from politics.be3[transitive] to stop being involved in an activity, organization, situation etcdivorce yourself from somethingOur society has divorced itself from religion.havedivorceTHESAURUSdivorce to legally end your marriage: After seven years, they decided to divorce.yeardecide | She divorced him six months after they were married.divorcemonthbemarryseparate to start to live apart from your husband or wife because of problems in your marriage: They argued all the time and in the end agreed to separate.argueagree | She separated from her husband and moved to a flat in London.separatemovesplit up/break up to end a marriage or a romantic relationship: When Andy was nine, his parents split up.beparent | He's just broken up with his girlfriend.breakleave somebody to stop living with your husband, wife, or partner, often because you are having a relationship with someone else: Her husband left her for a younger woman after 27 years of marriage.leaveyoungyear | Dan's left me.leave
adjectiveWord familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: plaisant, from plaisir; → PLEASE2 1NICEenjoyable or attractive and making you feel happy SYN nice → pleasure:
It had been a pleasant evening.havebeeventhe pleasant climate of Southern CaliforniaThe restaurant was large and pleasant.beKate! What a pleasant surprise!it is pleasant to do somethingIt was pleasant to sit in a sidewalk cafe and watch people pass.be2FRIENDLYfriendly, polite, and easy to talk to: Nick seemed very pleasant on the phone.seema pleasant-looking womanlookpleasant toHe’s always been very pleasant to me.be—pleasantlypleasantly adverb: He smiled pleasantly.smileRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say something or someone is nice rather than pleasant:It was a really nice day.beThey were all very nice to me.beTHESAURUSpersonnice especially spoken friendly, kind, or polite. In written and formal English, it is better to use a more specific and interesting adjective than nice: I like Clare – she’s really nice. | It was nice of them to offer to help.bepleasant friendly, polite, and easy to talk to – used especially about someone that you do not know very well: I only met her once or twice but she seemed pleasant.meetseemsweet very kind and gentle: Kylie’s a very caring, sweet person.care | It was sweet of you to send me a card.becharming behaving in a polite and friendly way, which makes people like you and want to do things for you: The salesman was very charming.becharm | a charming hostesscharmengaging interesting or amusing in a way that makes people like you – a rather formal word: She can be very engaging.engage | an engaging smileengagelikeable easy to like and seeming nice and friendly: Bobby was a likeable kid with an angelic face.begood-natured having a nice kind character and not getting angry easily: Everyone likes Mike because he’s always so good-natured.likegreat informal used about someone who you like and admire a lot: He’s a great guy! | Sue’s boyfriend is really great.belovely especially British English informal very nice, kind, and friendly: All the people I met on the course were lovely.meetbe | a lovely man
noun [countable]Date: 1600-1700Language: Modern Latin
Origin: tactica, from Greek taktika, from tassein ‘to arrange, place in battle formation’ 1WAY/METHODa method that you use to achieve something:
a tactic employed to speed up the peace processemployRepublicans accuse Democrats of using delaying tactics (=something you do in order to give yourself more time) to prevent a final vote on the bill.republicandemocratusedelaytacticShock tactics are being used in an attempt to stop drink drivers.tacticbebeusedriver2tactics [plural]WAY/METHOD the science of arranging and moving military forces in a battle → strong-arm tactics at strong-armCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + tactic a delaying tactic (=an action which gives you more time) His enemies believed that his sickness was just another delaying tactic.enemybelievebedelayscare tactics (=in which you deliberately try to frighten people) He accused the opposition of scare tactics.accusetacticshock tactics (=in which you deliberately try to shock people) The charity resorted to shock tactics to try to bring its message home.resorttacticstrong-arm tactics (=the use of force, violence, or threats) Others were furious at what they said were government strong-arm tactics over the vote.besaybetactica diversionary tactic (=an action which draws attention away from something) Before the attack, nearby areas were bombed as a diversionary tactic.areabebombunderhand/unfair tactics (=actions which are not fair or honest) I wouldn't stoop to such sneaky, underhand tactics.tacticverbsuse a tactic We used various tactics to get their support.usetacticemploy/adopt a tactic formal (=use a tactic) Many species of fish employ similar defence tactics.tacticchange/switch tactics Manchester United switched tactics in the second half.uniteswitchtacticresort to a tactic (=use a tactic because there is no other way to do something) Students resort to these tactics when they see no other way to address the problem.studenttactica tactic works (=is successful) Those tactics won’t work with me any more – I know you too well.tacticwinphrasesa change of tactics They trailed 2–1 at half time, but a change of tactics brought a 3–2 win.trailtacticbring
verb [transitive]Word familyDate: 1400-1500Language: Latin
Origin: solvere ‘to loosen, solve, dissolve, pay’ Verb form1SOLVE/DEAL WITH A PROBLEMto find or provide a way of dealing with a problem → solution:
Charlie thinks money will solve all his problems.thinkproblemthe best way of solving our dilemmawellsolve2SOLVE/FIND THE ANSWERANSWER/RESULTto find the correct answer to a problem or the explanation for something that is difficult to understand → solutionsolve a crime/mystery/case etcMore than 70% of murder cases were solved last year.casebesolveattempts to solve a mathematical equationattemptsolve a puzzle/riddle—solvablesolvable adjectiveCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 1nounssolve a problem He solved the problem by moving the aggressive fish to a separate tank.solvemovesolve a crisis Congress had not been able to solve the financial crisis.havebesolve a dispute/conflict They have agreed to solve their disputes solely by peaceful means.agreedisputemeansolve a dilemma Can you solve my dilemma?solve somebody's difficulties You can't solve your difficulties by running away.difficultyrunsolve a question Did they really think the Jerusalem question would be solved in a week?dowillsolveCOLLOCATIONSMeaning 2nounssolve a crime/case The crime was never solved.besolvesolve a murder Police have called for witnesses to help them solve the murder.callwitnesssolve a mystery Staff at the library think they have solved the mystery.solvesolve a puzzle You progress through the game by solving puzzles.solvepuzzlesolve a riddle They still haven't really solved the riddle of how the pyramids were built.solvepyramidbebuildsolve an equation At the age of six, he could solve complicated mathematical equations.cancomplicateequation
verb [transitive]Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Anglo-French
Origin: pursuer, from Old French poursuir, from Latin prosequi; → PROSECUTE Verb form1CONTINUE/NOT STOPto continue doing an activity or trying to achieve something over a long period of time → pursuit:
She plans to pursue a career in politics.planStudents should pursue their own interests, as well as do their school work.studentshallinterestpursue a goal/aim/objective etccompanies that pursue the traditional goal of profitscompanyprofita campaign promise to pursue policies that will help the poorpolicy2pursue the matter/argument/question etcCONTINUE/NOT STOP to continue trying to find out about or persuade someone about a particular subject: Janet did not dare pursue the matter further.dofarThe defence pursued the question of Dr Carrington’s state of mind.pursue3FOLLOWto chase or follow someone or something, in order to catch them, attack them etc → pursuit: Briggs ran across the field with one officer pursuing him.runpursue4PERSUADEto keep trying to persuade someone to have a relationship with you: I was pleased, but somewhat embarrassed, when she pursued me.bepleaseembarrasspursueCOLLOCATIONSnounspursue a career You have to be dedicated to pursue a career in medicine.dedicatepursue an interest Always encourage children to pursue their interests.childinterestpursue a goal/aim/objective She was known to be ruthless in pursuing her goals.beknowpursuegoalpursue your ambitions David left the company to pursue his political ambitions.leaveambitionpursue a policy/strategy The organization is pursuing a policy of cost cutting.bepursuecutTHESAURUSfollow to walk, drive etc behind or after someone, for example in order to see where they are going: The man had followed her home to find out where she lived.havefollowlive | Follow that car! | He hired a detective to follow her.hirechase to quickly run or drive after someone or something in order to catch them when they are trying to escape: Police chased the car along the motorway at speeds of up to 90 mph.chasespeedrun after somebody/go after somebody to quickly follow someone or something in order to stop them or talk to them: I ran after him to say sorry, but he’d already got on the bus.rungetstalk /stɔːk $ stɒːk/ to secretly follow an animal in order to kill it, or to secretly follow a person in order to attack them: a tiger stalking its preystalk | He had a long history of stalking women in his neighbourhood.havestalkwomanpursue /pəˈsjuː $ pərˈsuː/ written to chase someone in a very determined way: The ship was being pursued by enemy submarines.bebepursuesubmarinegive chase written to chase someone or something who is trying to escape from you: One of the officers gave chase and arrested the man.officergivearrest | The calf ran away and the lion gave chase.rungivetail to secretly follow someone in order to watch what they do and where they go: Apparently, the police had been tailing the terrorists for months.havebetailterroristmonthtrack to follow and find a person or animal by looking at the marks they leave on the ground: The bushmen were tracking antelope in the Kalahari desert.bushmanbetrack
nounDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: resortir ‘to come back, resort’, from sortir ‘to go out’ 1[countable] a place where a lot of people go for holidaysseaside/beach/ski etc resort
Aspen, a ski resort in ColoradoLagoon Reef is one of the best resort hotels.bewellhotel2last/final resortFAIL what you will do if everything else failsas a last resortDrug treatment should only be used as a last resort.shalluseof last resorta weapon of last resortin the last resort British English: Economic sanctions will be used only in the last resort.sanctionuse3first resort what you will do first before you try other things: In the past, your family was the first resort when looking for a job.belook4resort to something formal when you must use or depend on something because nothing better is availablewithout resort to somethingWe hope they will be able to resolve the situation without resort to force.COLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + resorta tourist resort There are plans to turn the town into a tourist resort.beplana seaside/beach resort We stayed in a relaxed beach resort on the east coast.stayrelaxa mountain resort mountain resorts in Coloradoresorta lakeside resort the popular lakeside resort of Lake Comoa holiday resort Benidorm is a terrific holiday resort.bea ski resort The lack of snow is causing problems for ski resorts.becauseproblemresorta health resort We booked ourselves into a health resort for a weekend of pure indulgence.booka popular resort The popular seaside resort of Brighton is 40 minutes away.beminutea lively resort It is a lively resort with plenty of bars and cafés.bebara bustling resort (=lively and full of people) The hotel is right in the middle of this bustling resort.bebustlea fashionable resort Hastings was a once fashionable resort.beresort + NOUNa resort town/area/centre They're only a five minute stroll away from the main resort centre with all its bars, restaurants and nightlife.barrestauranta resort hotel There are plans for a major resort hotel and golf course to be built.beplanbuilda resort complex (=a group of buildings, or a large building with many parts) Club Hotel is part of a resort complex offering a range of facilities.beofferfacility
resortverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusCorpus examplesresortresortsresortedresortingresortresort2 verbVerb formresort to something phrasal verb SOLVE/DEAL WITH A PROBLEMto do something bad, extreme, or difficult because you cannot think of any other way to deal with a problem: Officials fear that extremists may resort to violence.officialextremistresort to doing somethingVets have had to resort to killing the animals.vethavekillanimal
adjective [only before noun]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: innera, from inne ‘inside’ 1IN/INSIDEon the inside or close to the centre of something OPP outer:
an inner roominner Londonthe inner ear2IN/INSIDEinner thoughts or feelings are ones that you feel strongly but do not always show to other people: Yoga gives me a sense of inner calm.giveShe’ll need great inner strength to get over the tragedy.She never shared her inner thoughts with anyone.sharethought3relating to things which happen or exist but are not easy to see: the inner workings of the film industryworkingthe fascinating inner life of a political partyfascinate4inner circle the few people in an organization, political party etc who control it or share power with its leader: members of the president’s inner circlemember5sb’s inner voice thoughts or feelings inside your head which seem to warn or advise you: My inner voice told me to be cautious.tell
verb [transitive]
Word familyDate: 1400-1500Language: Old French
Origin: excuser, from Latin excusare, from causa ‘cause, explanation’ Verb form1excuse me spoken a)REPEATused when you want to get someone’s attention politely, especially when you want to ask a question:
Excuse me, can you tell me the way to the museum please? b)SORRY/APOLOGIZEused to say that you are sorry for doing something rude or embarrassing: Oh, excuse me. I didn’t know anyone was here.be c)LET/ALLOWused to ask someone politely to move so that you can walk past: Excuse me, could I just squeeze past?can d)LEAVE A PLACEused to politely tell someone that you are leaving a place: Excuse me a moment. I’ll be right back. e)DISAGREEused when you disagree with someone but want to be polite about it SYN I’m sorry: Excuse me, but I don’t think that’s what he meant at all.mean f)American EnglishSORRY/APOLOGIZE used to show that you disagree with someone or are very surprised or upset by what they have just said: ‘You’re going to pay, right?’ ‘Excuse me?’go g)especially American EnglishREPEAT used to ask someone to repeat something that they have just said SYN pardon me: ‘What time is it?’ ‘Excuse me?’ ‘I asked you what time it is.’beaskbe2forgiveFORGIVE to forgive someone for doing something that is not seriously wrong, such as being rude or careless: I’ll excuse you this time, but don’t be late again.Please excuse my bad handwriting.excuse somebody for (doing) somethingPlease excuse me for being so late today.beSmith can be excused for his lack of interest in the course (=his lack of interest is reasonable).excuseRegisterIn informal situations, people often say sorry about …, sorry for doing ... or sorry I … rather than asking someone to excuse something:Sorry about my handwriting.Sorry for being so late. OR Sorry I’m so late.be3from a dutyLET/ALLOW [usually passive] to allow someone not to do something that they are supposed to doexcuse somebody from (doing) somethingCan I be excused from swimming today? I have a cold.excuseswim4explainREASON to be or give a good reason for someone’s careless or offensive behaviour: Nothing can excuse that kind of rudeness.5from a placeLET/ALLOW to give someone permission to leave a place: May I please be excused from the table?excuse6excuse yourself to say politely that you need to leave a place: Richard excused himself and went to his room.excusego7excuse me (for living)! spokenOFFEND used when someone has offended you or told you that you have done something wrong
excusenounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesexcuseexcusesexcuseex‧cuse2 S3 /ɪkˈskjuːs/ noun [countable]Word family1REASONa reason that you give to explain careless or offensive behaviourexcuse for (doing) somethingWhat’s your excuse for being late this time?beI’m tired of listening to his excuses.tirelistenexcuse2REASONa reason that you invent to explain an action and to hide your real intentionsexcuse to do somethingI need an excuse to call her.excuse forThe conference is just an excuse for a holiday in New York.be3there is no excuse for something used to say that someone’s behaviour is too bad to be explained or accepted: There is no excuse for such rudeness.be4make your excusesEXPLAIN to explain why you are not able to do something: Please make my excuses at the meeting tomorrow.excusemeet5a poor/rotten etc excuse for somethingBAD AT used when you think someone or something is very bad: He’s a rotten excuse for a lawyer. Why on earth did you hire him?do6American EnglishREASON a note written by your doctor or one of your parents saying that you were ill on a particular day SYN sick note British EnglishCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2verbsmake up/think up/invent an excuse I made up some excuse about my car breaking down.makebreak | We’d better think up an excuse, fast.wellmake excuses for somebody/something (=give reasons which try to explain why someone has made a mistake or behaved badly) His mother was always making excuses for her son's behaviour.bemakeexcuseuse something as an excuse She never complained or used her illness as an excuse.complainuselook for an excuse I began to look for excuses to avoid seeing him.beginexcuseseegive an excuse I'll have to give my boss some kind of excuse.believe/accept an excuse She didn’t believe his excuse for one minute.have an excuse Companies have no excuse for breaking the law.companybreakadjectivesa good excuse A sunny day is a good excuse to go to the beach.bea wonderful excuse (=a very good excuse) A wedding is a wonderful excuse to buy a new outfit.bea reasonable/plausible excuse (=one that other people will believe) If your train was cancelled, that is a perfectly reasonable excuse.becancelbea legitimate/valid excuse (=one that is true and that other people cannot criticize) He didn’t have a legitimate excuse for being late.bethe perfect excuse The phone call gave me the perfect excuse to leave.givea feeble/flimsy/weak excuse (=one that is difficult to believe) Joe muttered some feeble excuse about having a headache.mutterhavea pathetic/lame excuse (=very weak) That’s the most pathetic excuse I’ve ever heard.hearthe usual excuse/the same old excuse He made the usual excuses for not coming.makeexcusecome | Whenever the trains are late, it's always the same old excuse.trainbea convenient excuse The rioting provided the government with a convenient excuse not to hold an election.riotprovidephrasesuse every excuse in the book (=use every possible excuse) He used every excuse in the book to avoid seeing the doctor.useseeat the slightest excuse (=for any reason, however unimportant) She comes to our house at the slightest excuse.comeslightTHESAURUSa reason that does not seem believableexcuse a reason that you give to explain why you have done something bad, or not done something that you should have done – especially one that is not completely true: She said she couldn’t come because she had to work late, but it was just an excuse.sayhavebe | a feeble excuse (=one that is hard to believe)pretext especially written an untrue reason that you give for doing or not doing something, in order to hide the real reason: He would often find some pretext to go out in the evening alone.willeven | They used this as a pretext for taking military action.usetake
noun1[uncountable and countable]HERETHERE when you are not in the place where people expect you to be, or the time that you are awayin/during sb’s absenceMs Leighton will be in charge during my absence (=while I am away).absence fromHer work involved repeated absences from home.involverepeatabsence2[singular]NOT HAVE the lack of something or the fact that it does not exist OPP presenceabsence ofa complete absence of any kind of planningplanIn the absence of any evidence, the police had to let Myers go.have3absence makes the heart grow fonderLIKE SB OR STH used to say that being away from someone makes you like them more → leave of absence at leave2(3), → conspicuous by your absence at conspicuous(3)COLLOCATIONSadjectivesa long absence She was apprehensive about studying again after such a long absence.bestudya prolonged absence (=continuing for a long time) Requests for prolonged absence during term time are strongly discouraged.requestprolongbediscouragea lengthy absence The injury may mean a lengthy absence from the team.a brief absence Everything seemed to have changed during his brief absence.seemchangefrequent absences (=happening often) She disliked Stephen's frequent absences on business.dislikeabsencerepeated absences (=happening again and again) Repeated absences from school can lead to children falling behind.repeatabsencechildfalla temporary absence No one noticed her temporary absence.noticea sudden absence It wasn't easy to deal with Hugh's sudden absence.an unexplained absence Did he give a reason for his unexplained absence?dounauthorized absence (=that you do not have permission for) With the older pupils, unauthorized absence increased.oldpupilincreasephrasessomebody's absence from work/school You will be entitled to sick pay in respect of any absence from work through sickness.entitlea period of absence You must submit a doctor's statement to cover the period of absence beyond the seventh day.
verbDate: 1400-1500Language: Old French
Origin: surrendre, from sur- ( → SURCHARGE) + rendre ‘to give back, yield’ Verb form1[intransitive]LOSE A GAME, COMPETITION, OR WAR to say officially that you want to stop fighting, because you realize that you cannot win:
Germany surrendered on May 7th, 1945.surrenderThe terrorists were given ten minutes to surrender.terroristbegiveminute2[intransitive and transitive] to go to the police or the authorities, and say that you want to stop trying to escape from themsurrender (yourself) to somebodyHe immediately surrendered himself to the authorities.surrenderauthority3[transitive]GIVE to give up something or someone, especially because you are forced to: They agreed to surrender their weapons.agreeweaponShe was reluctant to surrender her independence.beMarchers who had cameras were forced to surrender their film.marcherhavecamerabeforce4surrender to somethingLET/ALLOW to allow yourself to be controlled or influenced by something: Colette surrendered to temptation and took out a cigarette.surrendertake5[transitive] formal to give something such as a ticket or a passport to an officialsurrender something to somebodySteir voluntarily surrendered his license to the State.surrenderTHESAURUSsurrender to say officially that you want to stop fighting, especially in a war, because you realize that you cannot win – used about people and countries: Two days later, the rebels surrendered.daylaterebelsurrender | Japan surrendered in August 1945.surrendergive in to accept that you cannot win a game, argument, fight etc and stop trying to win it: The players refused to give in and eventually won the game 4-3 in extra time.playerrefusewin | The negotiations went on for days and neither side was prepared to give in.negotiationgodaybeprepareadmit/accept defeat to accept that you have not won something: In July 1905, Russia admitted defeat in its war with Japan.admit | She wanted to run for the Presidency and refused to accept defeat.wantrefuseconcede formal to say that you are not going to win a game, argument, election etc, so that it officially ends: He was forced to concede the match.beforce | Davis conceded defeat in the election.concede
surrendernounCollocations from this entryCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplessurrendersurrenderssurrendersurrender2 noun [singular, uncountable]1LOSE A GAME, COMPETITION, OR WARwhen you say officially that you want to stop fighting because you realize that you cannot win: the humiliation of unconditional surrender (=accepting total defeat)surrender to somebody/somethingthe Nazis’ surrender to the Allied forcesallyforce2when you give away something or someone, usually because you are forced tosurrender ofa surrender of powerthe surrender of all illegal weaponsweapon3LET/ALLOWwhen you allow yourself to be controlled or influenced by something: total surrender to drug addiction
noun [countable]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: preost, from Late Latin presbyter, from Greek presbyteros ‘older man, priest’, from presbys ‘old man’ 1someone who is specially trained to perform religious duties and ceremonies in the Christian church2a man with religious duties and responsibilities in some non-Christian religionsTHESAURUSpriest someone who is specially trained to perform religious duties and ceremonies in the Christian church: a Catholic priest | a Buddhist priest | Women priests are much more common these days.womanpriestbeday | The priest who married us was very friendly and helpful.marrybebishop a priest of high rank in some branches of the Christian church, who is the head of all the churches and priests in a large area: the Bishop of Oxford | a meeting of bishopsmeetbishopvicar a priest in the Church of England who is in charge of a church in a particular area: our local vicarpreacher someone who gives the sermon (=a religious talk as part of a church service) in some Protestant churches: a Methodist preacherminister the formal word for any priest in some branches of the Christian church: In 1843, 450 ministers of the church broke away from the established church of Scotland.ministerbreakestablishchaplain someone, especially a priest, who takes care of the religious needs of an organization such as a college, hospital, prison, or the military: the prison chaplainpastor American English someone who is in charge of the prayers, ceremonies etc in some branches of the Protestant church: a Baptist pastorrabbi the person who is in charge of the prayers, ceremonies etc in the Jewish religion: Israel’s chief rabbisrabbimullah a Muslim teacher of law and religion: The people turned to their traditional leaders, the mullahs.turnleadermullahholy man someone who is treated with great respect by people who belong to a religion: A Sadhu, or Hindu holy man, was performing yoga on the banks of the River Ganges.beperformbankthe clergy the official leaders in organized religions, such as the priests, rabbis, and mullahs: Around 30 members of the clergy gathered for the meeting.membergathermeetclergyman a male member of the clergy – used especially in the past: His youngest son decided to become a clergyman.youngdecide
verbVerb form1[transitive]DEAL WITH to try to deal with a difficult problem: There is more than one way to tackle the problem.beIt took twelve fire engines to tackle the blaze.takeengine2[intransitive and transitive] a)to try to take the ball away from an opponent in a game such as football or hockey b)to force someone to the ground so that they stop running, in a game such as American football or rugby3[transitive] British EnglishTALK TO SB to talk to someone in order to deal with a difficult problemtackle somebody about somethingWhen I tackled Susan about it, she admitted she’d made a mistake.tackleadmitmake4[transitive]FIGHT to start fighting someone, especially a criminal: I certainly couldn’t tackle both of them on my own.—tacklertacklerstackler noun [countable]COLLOCATIONSnounstackle a problem/issue/question The government has failed to tackle the problem of youth crime.havefailtackle a job/challenge She said she couldn’t face tackling the job on her own.saytackletackle a blaze/fire (=try to stop it) Fire crews tackling the blaze were hampered by exploding gas canisters.crewtacklebehamperexplodecanistertackle crime The police set up a special task force to tackle street crime in the capital.tackle poverty He believes education is the long-term key to tackling poverty.believebetackletackle unemployment The government announced a new initiative to tackle unemployment.announceadverbstackle something head-on (=in a direct and determined way) The issue of cost must be tackled head-on.tackleTHESAURUSdeal with something to take the necessary action, especially in order to solve a problem: We need to deal with problems like pollution and climate change.problem | I spend most of my day dealing with customer enquiries.dealenquiryhandle to deal with a problem or difficult situation by making particular decisions. Used especially when talking about how well or badly someone does this: He handled the situation very well.handle | Most customers were happy with the way their complaints had been handled.customerbecomplainthavebehandletackle to start to deal with a problem, especially one that is complicated: We need to tackle the issue of drugs in schools.drugschool | The government is introducing new measures to tackle online crime.beintroducemeasuresee to/attend to somebody/something to deal with all the practical details of something that needs to be done or organized. Attend to is more formal than see to: My son saw to all the funeral arrangements.seearrangement | I have some business to attend to.take care of something to do the work or make the arrangements that are necessary for something to happen. Used especially when you do this for someone else so that they do not have to worry about it: My secretary takes care of all the paperwork.takeprocess if a company or organization processes a letter, form etc, they do the things that are usually done as part of their official system, in order to deal with it: It will take a minimum of 14 days to process your passport application.day | I called their office, and they said that my request was still being processed.callsaybebeprocess
tacklenounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2 3Corpus examplestackletacklestackletackle2 nounDate: 1200-1300Origin: Probably from Middle Low German takel ‘ship's equipment’, from taken ‘to seize’ 1[countable] a)an attempt to take the ball from an opponent in a game such as football b)an attempt to stop an opponent by forcing them to the ground, especially in American football or rugby2[countable] a player in American football who stops other players by tackling them or preventing them from moving forward3[uncountable]EQUIPMENT the equipment used in some sports and activities, especially fishing4[uncountable and countable] ropes and pulleys (=wheels) used for lifting heavy things5[uncountable] British English informal a man’s sexual organs
adjectiveWord family1[only before noun] relating to the relationships between different races of people who now live in the same country or area: a victim of racial discriminationThis part of the community needs to be protected from racial prejudice.needprotectevidence of racial harassmentthe campaign for racial equalitythe need for tolerance and racial harmony2relating to the various races that humans can be divided into → ethnic: a broad range of racial and ethnic groupsgrouppeople of different racial origin—raciallyracially adverb: They live in a racially mixed area.mixPolice officers believe the attack was racially motivated.officerbemotivateCOLLOCATIONSnounsracial discrimination (=when particular races of people are treated unfairly) We found no evidence of racial discrimination.findracial equality (=when people of all races have the same rights and advantages) We are firmly committed to achieving racial equality.becommitachieveracial prejudice (=unreasonable bad opinions of someone based on their race) He claimed that his opponents were motivated by racial prejudice.claimopponentbemotivateracial hatred (=hatred of people based on their race) He was prosecuted for inciting racial hatred.beprosecuteinciteracial harassment (=threatening behaviour towards someone of another race) The court case increased public awareness of sexual and racial harassment in the workplace.increaseracial tension (=bad feelings between people of different races, which could develop into violence) His arrest is likely to heighten racial tensions.betensionracial violence We can't rest until there is no more racial violence.beracial harmony (=when people of different races live or work together and trust each other) Dr King's dream of racial harmony has never been fully realized.haveberealizeracial segregation (=when people of different races are kept apart and forced to live, work etc separately) The 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibited racial segregation in public buildings.rightprohibitbuildingracial abuse (=insulting remarks based on someone's race) Their children had begun to face racial abuse on the streets and in school.childhavebeginstreeta racial attack He was the victim of a racial attack.be
noun [countable]Date: 1200-1300Language: Old Norse 1GIVEsomething that you give someone, for example to thank them or because you like them, especially on a special occasion SYN present:
The earrings were a gift from my aunt.earringbegift ofa generous gift of £50The clock was given as a retirement gift when he left the police.begiveleaveexpensive wedding giftsgiftEnjoy a free gift with any purchase of $20 or more.This excellent cookbook would make an ideal gift for anyone just going away to college.willgoRegisterIn everyday English, especially in British English, people usually say present rather than gift:These were a present from my boyfriend.be2a)a natural ability SYN talentgift fora gift for languageslanguageHe was a kind man, with a gift for forming lasting friendships.beformlastfriendshipgift ofShe has the rare gift of being able to laugh at herself.havebe b)an ability that is given to you by Godgift ofHe was said to have possessed the gift of prophecy.besaypossessthe use of spiritual giftsgift → gifted3a gift British English informalCHEAP something that is easier or cheaper than you expected: The third goal was an absolute gift.be4gift (from God) something good you receive or something good that happens to you, even though you might not deserve it: This opportunity was a gift from God.be5the gift of the gab British English, the gift of gab American English informalTALK TO SB an ability to speak confidently and to persuade people to do what you want: Jo has always had the gift of the gab.havehave6be in sb’s gift British English formalCONTROL if something is in your gift, you have the power to decide who it should be given to: All appointments to military and administrative posts were in the gift of the King.appointmentpostbe7never/don’t look a gift horse in the mouth spokenTHANK used to tell someone to be grateful for something that has been given to them, instead of asking questions about it or finding something wrong with it → God’s gift to somebody/something at god(3)COLLOCATIONSverbsgive somebody a gift We gave her a gift on her birthday.givereceive a gift He received a gift from his aunt.receiveaccept a gift Sam accepted the gift on behalf of the school.acceptmake somebody a gift of something formal (=give someone something as a gift) Johnson made her a gift of a book.makewrap (up) a gift She had bought and wrapped gifts for children in hospital.havebuywrapgiftchildshower somebody with gifts (=give someone a lot of gifts) He showered her with gifts and exotic holidays.showergiftholidayexchange gifts (=give someone a gift at the same time as they give you a gift) We exchange gifts on Christmas Day.giftADJECTIVES/NOUN + gifta birthday gift The camera had been a 21st birthday gift from his parents.havebeparenta wedding gift Some people prefer to give cash as a wedding gift.a Christmas gift Before 1940, most people did not wrap Christmas gifts.dogifta free gift (=something that a shop or business gives you) If you spend over £50, you get a free gift.the perfect/ideal gift for somebody This book is the perfect gift for anybody who’s interested in birds.beinterestbirda suitable gift What do you think would be a suitable gift for a 10-year-old boy?willa small gift Here’s a small gift to show our appreciation for all your hard work.a generous gift Her colleagues presented her with a generous gift when she retired.colleaguepresentretirean expensive gift He was always showering Louise with expensive gifts.beshowergifta lavish gift (=a large, impressive, or expensive gift) She received lavish gifts of jewellery and clothes.receivegiftclothea parting gift (=a gift that you give someone when you leave/say goodbye) She brought him a parting gift.bringpartan unwanted gift You can take any unwanted gifts to charity shops.giftshopgift + NOUNa gift idea Here is another gift idea with children in mind.bechilda gift shop The gift shop was well stocked with souvenirs.bestocksouvenirTHESAURUSskill [uncountable and countable] an ability to do something well, especially because you have learned and practised it: He plays the piano with great skill.play | communication/language/computer etc skillsskill | The course will help you improve your communication skills.skilltalent [uncountable and countable] a natural ability to do something well which can be developed with practice: She was a young artist with a lot of talent.be | She showed a talent for acting from an early age.showact | He is a man of many talents.betalentgenius [uncountable] very great ability, which only a few people have: The opera shows Mozart’s genius as a composer.opusshow | Picasso was a painter of genius.begift [countable] a natural ability to do something very well, which you were born with: You can see that he has a gift for the game.have | Winterson has great gifts as a writer.havegiftflair [singular, uncountable] skill for doing something, especially something that needs imagination and creativity: The job does require some creative flair.do | She has a flair for languages.havelanguageexpertise [uncountable] specialized knowledge of a technical subject, which you get from experience of doing that type of work: The technical expertise for building the dam is being provided by a US company.buildbebeprovidea/the knack /næk/ [singular] informal a special skill for doing a particular thing, especially a simple everyday thing: Breadmaking is easy once you get the knack.be | He has a knack for making people feel relaxed.havemakerelax
verbWord familyDate: 1600-1700Language: French
Origin: ajuster, from juste ‘exact, just’ Verb form1[intransitive and transitive]USED TO/ACCUSTOMED TO to gradually become familiar with a new situation SYN adapt:
They’ll soon settle in – kids are very good at adjusting.kidbeadjustadjust toIt took a few seconds for her eyes to adjust to the darkness.takesecondeyeadjust to doing somethingMy parents had trouble adjusting to living in an apartment.parenthaveadjustliveadjust yourself to somethingIt took time to adjust myself to motherhood.takeRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say get used to rather than adjust (to): You’ll soon adjust. ➔ You’ll soon get used to it.2[transitive]CHANGE/MAKE STH DIFFERENT to change or move something slightly to improve it or make it more suitable for a particular purpose: Check and adjust the brakes regularly.brakeTaste the soup and adjust the seasoning.seasonIf your employment status changes, your tax code will be adjusted accordingly.changeadjustRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say turn up or turn down the temperature, volume etc rather than adjust it.3[transitive] if you adjust something you are wearing, you move it slightly so that it is neater, more comfortable etc: He paused to adjust his spectacles.pausespectacle → well-adjustedTHESAURUSto change somethingchange to make someone or something different: Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do to change the situation. | Being at college has changed her – she’s much more confident now.behavechangealter especially written tochange something so that it is better or more suitable: You can alter the colour and size of the image using a remote control.use | Can we alter the date of the meeting?meetadapt to change something slightly in order to improve it or make it more suitable: How much would it cost to adapt the existing equipment?willexist | You can adapt the recipe to suit your own requirements.requirementadjust to make small changes in the position or level of something in order to improve it or make it more suitable: How do you adjust the volume on the television? | He adjusted his tie in the mirror.adjustmodify especially written to make small changes to something such as a piece of equipment, a set of ideas, or a way of behaving in order to improve it or use it in a different way: He’s modified his opinions since then.modifyopinion | a modified version of the original program.modifyreform to change a law, system, organization etc so that it is fairer or more effective: plans to reform the tax systemplan | Health care needs to be completely reformed.needreformrevise to change a plan, idea, law etc because of new information and ideas: In July, China revised the rules for foreign investment.reviserule | The findings could force the scientists to revise their ideas about climate change.findingcanscientistideareorganize to change the way that a system or organization works: We’ve had to reorganize our databasehave | During the 1980s, the government reorganized the civil service.reorganizerestructure to make big changes to the way something is organized, especially a large political or economic system or a big company, in order to make it more effective: The company has been restructured from top to bottom.haveberestructure
noun (plural referenda /-də/ or referendums) [uncountable and countable]Date: 1800-1900Language: Modern Latin
Origin: Latin referre; → REFER when people vote in order to make a decision about a particular subject, rather than voting for a personreferendum on
a referendum on independenceThe city council agreed to hold a referendum on the issue in November.agreeTHESAURUSelection an occasion when people choose a government or leader by voting: the American presidential election | South Africa held its first multi-racial elections in 1994.holdelectionballot /ˈbælət/ an occasion when the members of an organization vote by marking what they want on a piece of paper, especially to make sure that it is secret: The result of the ballot showed that nurses were not in favour of a strike.shownursebereferendum /ˌrefəˈrendəm/ an occasion when everyone in a country votes on an important political subject: In the Danish referendum, the people voted ‘no’ to joining the European single currency.votejointhe polls the process of voting in a political election – used especially in news reports: 4,500,000 voters went to the polls in eight provinces to elect six governors.votergopollprovincegovernorshow of hands an act of voting informally for something by the people in a group raising their hands: May I have a show of hands from all those in favour of the proposal?hand
noun [uncountable]Word family1REPORTwhen a subject or event is reported on television or radio, or in newspapersmedia/press etc coverageThe allegations received widespread media coverage.allegationreceivemediumlive coverage of the match (=the match is broadcast at the same time that it is happening)2American English the protection an insurance company gives you, so that it pays you money if you are injured, something is stolen etc SYN cover British English: health care coverage3the range of subjects and facts included in a book, programme, class etccoverage ofPrestel’s website provides good coverage of the subject.provide4when something affects or covers a particular area or group of things: More satellites are needed to provide telephone coverage in remote areas.satellitebeneedareaCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + coveragemedia/press coverage (=on television, in newpapers etc) The case has received wide press coverage.havereceivetelevision/newspaper/radio coverage (=provided by television newspapers etc) The private lives of celebrities get a lot of newspaper coverage.livecelebritynews coverage The BBC won an award for its 24-hour news coverage.winelection/sports/political etc coverage He claims the election coverage has been biased against him.claimhavebelive coverage (=broadcast at the same time as something is happening) There will be live coverage of the concert.full coverage (=with all the details) Both channels are giving the election full coverage.channelbegivelocal/national/international coverage (=provided by local, national etc media) Bangladesh doesn't get much international coverage.extensive/wide/widespread coverage Newpapers and magazines have wide coverage of diet and health topics.magazinetopicverbsreceive/get/have coverage The exhibition has received extensive coverage in the press.havereceiveprovide coverage Satellite coverage of the Olympics was first provided in 1968.beprovidegive something coverage In the west, the story wasn't given any media coverage.givemedium
noun
Word family1no noise [uncountable]QUIET complete absence of sound or noise SYN quietsilence ofNothing disturbed the silence of the night.disturbsilence falls/descends (on/upon something)After the explosion, an eerie silence fell upon the scene.fallbreak/shatter the silenceA loud scream shattered the silence.shatter2no talking [uncountable and countable] complete quiet because nobody is talking: There was a brief silence before anyone answered.beanswerin silenceThe four men sat in silence.mansitcomplete/total/dead silence‘How long have you been here?’ I asked. There was complete silence.beaskbe‘Silence in court!’ roared the judge.roarembarrassed/awkward/stunned etc silenceThere was an awkward silence between them.beThe accused exercised his right to silence (=the legal right to choose to say nothing).accuseexercise3no discussion/answer [uncountable]TALK2# failure or refusal to discuss something or answer questions about somethingsilence onThe government’s silence on such an important issue seems very strange.seemOnce again the answer was a deafening silence (=a very noticeable refusal to discuss something).bedeafen4no communication [uncountable]CONTACT SB# failure to write a letter to someone, telephone them etc: After two years of silence, he suddenly got in touch with us again.yearget5one-minute/two-minute etc silence a period of time in which everyone stops talking as a sign of honour and respect towards someone who has diedCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2adjectivescomplete/total/absolute/utter silence They sat in complete silence.sit | The silence in the room was absolute.bedead silence (=complete silence) There was a gasp from Peter and then a dead silence.bea long silence ‘He’s dead.’ There was a long silence.bea short/brief silence After a brief silence, Katherine nodded.nodan awkward/uncomfortable/embarrassed silence ‘Fred tells me you like books,’ Steve said, after an awkward silence.tellbooksaya stunned/shocked silence There was a stunned silence at the other end of the phone.bestunstony silence (=unfriendly silence) Harrison stared at him in stony silence.starea tense silence There was a brief, tense silence.bean eerie silence (=one that is strange and rather frightening) An eerie silence descended over the house.descendan ominous silence (=one that makes you feel that something bad is going to happen) ‘How long will she be ill?’ There was a short, ominous silence.bea sudden silence At the mention of John, a sudden silence fell on the room.fallverbsthere is (a) silence There was silence in the library for several moments.bemomentbreak/shatter the silence (=end the silence) The sound of a car engine broke the silence.breakdisturb the silence (=end the silence by making a sound) Nothing moved, no sound disturbed the silence.movedisturbsilence falls/descends (=a silence begins) A sudden silence fell over the room.falllapse into silence (=to stop talking and be quiet) 'I don't want any,' he said, and lapsed into silence again.saylapse
silenceverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplessilencesilencessilencedsilencingsilencesilence2 verb [transitive]Word familyVerb form1TALK2#to make someone stop talking, or stop something making a noise: She held up her hand to silence the children.holdchild2PREVENTto make someone stop expressing opposition or criticisms – used especially in news reports: attempts to silence the rumoursattemptrumourBarnes has failed to silence his critics.havefailcritic
noun
Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: renc, reng ‘line, place, row’ 1position in army/organization [uncountable and countable] the position or level that someone holds in an organization, especially in the police or the army, navy etcrank of
officers below the rank of ColonelofficerHe held (=had) the rank of Chief Inspector.holdrise to/be promoted to/attain the rank of somethingDuring the war Harold had risen to the rank of major.haverisehigh/senior/low/junior rankan officer of junior rankHe was sentenced to prison and stripped of his rank (=had his rank taken from him).besentencestrip2the ranks a)the people who belong to a particular organization or groupin/within ... ranksThere were splits in the party ranks on this issue.besplitrankThe Democrats now face opposition from within their own ranks.democratrankthe ranks ofMost are recruited from the ranks of people who studied Latin and Greek at university.berecruitrankstudyThat summer I left school and joined the ranks of (=became one of) the unemployed.leavejoinrank b)all the members of the army, navy etc who are not officers: He rose from the ranks to become a Field Marshal (=he became an officer after starting as an ordinary soldier).riserank3break ranks to behave in a way which is different from other members of a group, especially when they expect your supportbreak ranks withHe was the first to break ranks with Ceausescu and publicly criticise his policies.berankpolicy4line [countable] a rank of people or things is a line or row of themrank ofSilently, ranks of police edged closer to the crowds.rankedgeclosecrowdEveryone lines up in ranks, all facing the instructor.linerankfacerank after rank/rank upon rank (=a lot of things or people in a row)On the shelves were rank after rank of liquor bottles.shelvebebottle5pull rank (on somebody) informal to use your authority over someone to make them do what you want, especially unfairly: You may just have to pull rank and tell them.6POSITION/RANKquality [singular] the degree to which something or someone is of high quality: While none of these pictures is of the first rank (=of the highest quality), some are of interest.picturebebe7social class [uncountable and countable]POSITION/RANK someone’s position in society: people of all ranks in societyrankHe came from a family of rank (=one from a high social class).come8taxi [countable] (also taxi rank) a place where taxis wait in a line to be hired: I called a taxi from the rank outside.call → close ranks at close1(17)COLLOCATIONSverbshold a rank From 1 Dec 1914 to 31 Oct 1915 he held the rank of captain.holdrise to/achieve/reach a rank (also attain a rank formal) He rose to the rank of colonel.risebe promoted to a rank He was promoted to the rank of Captain.bepromotebe stripped of your rank (=have it taken from you as a punishment) The officer was stripped of his rank for his part in affair.bestripadjectiveshigh/low/middle rank Her father had been an army officer of fairly high rank.havebesenior/junior rank He held a junior rank in the infantry.holdcabinet/ministerial rank As promised, a minister of cabinet rank has now been appointed to supervise its operationpromisehavebeappoint
rankverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesrankranksrankedrankingrankrank2 verbVerb form1a)[intransitive always + adverb/preposition, not in progressive]POSITION/RANK to have a particular position in a list of people or things that have been put in order of quality or importancerank as/amongToday’s match ranks as one of the most exciting games that these two have ever played.rankexcitegameplayWe rank among the safest countries in the world.safecountryrank with/alongside (=be of the same importance or quality)Cuvier wanted to turn natural history into a science that would rank with physics and chemistry.wantwillrank high/lowHe ranked high among the pioneers of 20th century chemical technology.rankpioneer b)[transitive]POSITION/RANK to decide the position of someone or something on a list based on quality or importancebe ranked fourth/number one etcAgassi was at that time ranked sixth in the world.berankIt is not always easy to rank the students in order of ability.bestudent2[transitive] American EnglishHIGH POSITION OR RANK to have a higher rank than someone else SYN outrank: A general ranks a captain.rank3[transitive]ARRANGE A GROUP OF THINGS OR PEOPLE to arrange objects in a line or row: There were several pairs of riding boots ranked neatly in the hall.bepairridebootrank
rankadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesrankrankerrankestrankrank3 adjectiveLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: ranc 1if something is rank, it has a very strong unpleasant smellrank smell/odour
the rank odour of sweat and urine2[only before noun]COMPLETE used to emphasize a bad or undesirable quality SYN total: an example of this government’s rank stupidityThey make us look like rank amateurs (=not at all good or professional).amateur3rank plants are too thick and have spread everywhere: rank grass and weedsweed
verb (past tense and past participle dug /dʌɡ/, present participle digging)Date: 1100-1200Origin: Perhaps from Old English dic ‘ditch’ Verb form1[intransitive and transitive]DIG to move earth, snow etc, or to make a hole in the ground, using a spade or your handsdig a hole/trench/grave etc
They dig a small hole in the sand to bury their eggs.eggdig downDig down about 6 inches.inchdig forbirds digging for wormsbirddigworm2[transitive] to remove something, especially vegetables, from the ground using a spade: freshly dug carrotsdigcarrot3[intransitive, transitive always + adverb/preposition] to put your hand into something, especially in order to search for something: She dug around in her bag for a pen.digHe dug his hands deep into his pockets.dighandpocket4dig your heels in to refuse to do something in spite of other people’s efforts to persuade you5dig deep to use something which you have, especially money or effort, which you would not normally need: With one man sent off, the team had to dig deep and hang on for a draw.sendhave6dig a hole for yourself (also dig yourself into a hole) to get yourself into a difficult situation by doing or saying the wrong thing7dig somebody out of trouble/a mess/a hole etc to help a person or organization get out of trouble8dig your own gravePROBLEM to do something that will cause serious problems for you in the future9[transitive]LIKE SB OR STH old-fashioned to like something: I dig that hat!THESAURUSdig to make a hole in the ground using your hands, a tool, or a machine: Some workmen were digging a trench at the side of the road.workmanbedig | In Africa, the people know where to dig for water.make a hole to dig a hole in the ground, using your hands or a tool: Make a hole just big enough for the plant’s roots.rootburrow /ˈbʌrəʊ $ ˈbɜːroʊ/ if an animal burrows, it makes a hole or a passage in the ground by digging the earth with its feet, nose etc: The rabbits had burrowed a hole under the fence.rabbithaveburrowplough British English, plow American English /plaʊ/ to turn over the soil using a machine or a tool pulled by animals, to prepare the soil for planting seeds: The farmers here still plough their fields using buffaloes.farmerfieldusebuffaloexcavate /ˈekskəveɪt/ formal to dig a large hole in the ground, especially as a preparation for building something: The men began excavating the hole for the pool.manbeginexcavatebore to make a deep round hole in the ground using a special machine, especially in order to look for oil or water: Companies need a special licence to bore for oil.companybeardig in phrasal verb1dig something ↔ in (also dig something into something)DIG to mix something into soil by digging: Dig some fertilizer into the soil first.2(also dig (something) into something) to push a hard or pointed object into something, especially someone’s body, or to press into something: She dug her fingernails into his arm.digfingernaildig something ↔ inHe dug his spurs in and urged his horse on.digspururgeI could feel one of the hooks digging in.canhookdig3PROTECTif a group of people, especially soldiers, dig in, they make a protected place for themselves or prepare for a difficult situation: The troops dug in along the defensive line.troopdigWe just have to dig in and hope we can turn things around.thing4(also dig into something) informalEAT to start eating food that is in front of you: Go on – dig in!He was already digging into his pie and chips.bedigchipdig into something phrasal verb1to start using a supply of something, especially money: I’m going to have to dig into my savings again.gosaving2to try to find out about something unknown or secret: He had been digging into her past.havebedig → dig indig something ↔ out phrasal verb1DIGto get something out of earth, snow etc using a spade or your handsdig something ↔ out ofWe had to dig the car out of a snow drift.have2FINDto find something you have not seen for a long time, or that is not easy to find: I must remember to dig out that book for you.dig something ↔ up phrasal verb1DIGto remove something from the earth using a spade: I’ll dig up that plant and move it.2to remove the surface of an area of ground, road etc, or to make holes in it: They’re digging up the road just outside my flat.dig3FIND OUTto find hidden or forgotten information by careful searching: They tried to dig up something from his past to spoil his chances of being elected.trychancebeelect
dignounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Word sets 1Phrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesdigdigsdigdig2 noun [countable]1JOKECRITICIZEa joke or remark that you make to annoy or criticize someonedig atHe couldn’t resist a dig at the referee.Here was a chance to have a dig at trade unionists.be2give somebody a digPUSH to push someone quickly and lightly with your finger or elbow: Ginnie gave her sister a dig in the ribs.giverib3an organized process of digging in order to find ancient objects for study: an archaeological dig4digs [plural] British English old-fashioned a room that you pay rent to live inin digsHe’s 42 and still living in digs.livedigTHESAURUScomment something that you say or write in order to give your opinion: Does anyone have any comments?docomment | Readers are invited to send in their comments and suggestions.readerbeinvitecommentsuggestionremark something that you say: Just ignore them if they start making rude remarks.makeremark | I’m not sure what he meant by that last remark.meanpoint something that someone mentions about a subject in a discussion, argument, article etc: That’s an interesting point, Steve.interest | He raises (=mentions) a number of important points in his paper.raisenumbpointobservation a comment in which you say what you think or have noticed about something: Karl Marx made the observation that history repeats itself first as tragedy, second as farce.makerepeataside a comment made in a low voice, that you intend only certain people to hear: ‘Is that true?’, she whispered in an aside to Don.bewhisperquip /kwɪp/ a clever and amusing comment: She knew she should reply with some light-hearted quip.knowshalldig informal a comment you make to annoy or criticize someone: I’m tired of her little digs at me.tiredigtaunt /tɔːnt $ tɒːnt/ a comment intended to make someone angry or upset: The fans made racist taunts throughout the game.fanmaketaunt
verb [transitive]Verb form1British EnglishBORROW to pay money to borrow something for a short period of time SYN rent American English: The best way to explore the island is to hire a car.wellbeWhat does it cost to hire a boat for a week?do2a)JOB/WORKto employ someone for a short time to do a particular job: Employers hire skilled people on fixed-term contracts.employerfixcontracthire somebody to do somethingA City lawyer has been hired to handle the case.havebehire b)JOB/WORK American English to employ someone: Businesses may only hire foreign workers where an American cannot be found.businessworkerfindthe power to hire and fire (=employ and dismiss people)hire something ↔ out phrasal verb British English1LENDto allow someone to borrow something for a short time in exchange for moneyhire something ↔ out toa little company that hires out boats to touristshireboattourist2JOB/WORKhire yourself out to arrange to work for someone: They were so poor they had to hire themselves out on the farms.behavefarmTHESAURUSto pay money to use somethingrent to pay money to use a house, room, vehicle, piece of equipment, area of land etc: He rented a room in a house on the Old Kent Road.rent | They flew out to New York and rented a car at the airport.flyrenthire British English to pay money to use a car or a piece of clothing or equipment for a short period of time: Why don't we hire a van for the day? | You can hire suits for weddings.suitweddinglease to have a legal agreement under which you pay money to a person or company in order to use a building, area of land, vehicle, piece of equipment etc for a fixed period of time : They leased the offices from an American company.leaseoffice | The car is leased from BMW.belease
hirenounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from other entriesCorpus exampleshirehireshirehire2 noun [uncountable]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: hyr British EnglishBORROW an arrangement in which you pay a sum of money to borrow something for a short time:
a car hire companyfor hireboats for hireboaton hireThe crane is on hire from a local firm.be → ply for hire at ply1(3)
noun [countable]
Date: 1500-1600Origin: → DRAUGHT1 1UNFINISHED FORMpiece of writing a piece of writing or a plan that is not yet in its finished form:
the rough draft of his new novelI read the first draft and thought it was very good.thinkbeAll parties eventually approved the final draft (=finished form) of the peace treaty.partyapprove2militaryARMYthe draft American English a)a system in which people are ordered to join the army, navy etc, especially during a war SYN conscription b)the group of people who are ordered to do this3moneyMONEY especially British English a written order for money to be paid by a bank, especially from one bank to another4sportsSPORT American English a system in which professional teams choose players from colleges to join their teams5cold air/beerCOLD AIR/DRINKS the American spelling of draughtCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesthe first/second etc draft The second draft of the agreement contained a few important changes.containchangethe final draft (=the finished form) He showed me the final draft of his letter.showa rough draft (=not the finished form) Could you let me see a rough draft of your report?canthe original draft (=the first one) The hero had a different name in the original draft of the story.havean early/earlier draft (=written before others) In earlier drafts of the speech, he criticized the pace of political progress.earlydraftcriticizea preliminary draft (=coming before others) A preliminary draft of the charter has been issued.havebeissueverbswrite/draw up/prepare a draft (=write one) Always write a rough draft of your essay first. | He drew up a draft of the club’s rules and regulations.drawruleregulationapprove a draft (=officially accept one) The draft was approved by the Senate.beapprove
draftverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Word sets 1 2 3Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesdraftdraftsdrafteddraftingdraftdraft2 AC verb [transitive]
Verb form1piece of writing to write a plan, letter, report etc that will need to be changed before it is in its finished form: Eva’s busy drafting her speech for the conference.draft2military [usually passive] to order someone to join the army, navy etc, especially during a war SYN conscriptbe drafted into somethingMy dad was eighteen when he got drafted into the army.begetdraft3sports American English to choose a college player to join a professional team: Craigwell was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks.bedraftdraft somebody ↔ in (also draft somebody into somethingdraft somebody into something) phrasal verb to ask or order someone to work in a place where they do not normally work: Extra staff were drafted in to deal with the Christmas rush.bedraftHundreds of police have been drafted into the area.hundredbedraft
draftadjectiveCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesdraftdraftdraft3 AC adjective1draft proposal/copy/version etc a piece of writing that is not yet in its finished form2the American spelling of draught
verb [transitive]Word familyDate: 1300-1400Language: Latin
Origin: resolvere ‘to unloose’, from solvere; → SOLVE Verb form1SOLVE/DEAL WITH A PROBLEMto find a satisfactory way of dealing with a problem or difficulty SYN solve → settleresolve a dispute/conflict/problem etc
The crisis was resolved by negotiations.beresolvenegotiationBarnet was desperate for money to resolve his financial problems.beproblem2DECIDE formal to make a definite decision to do somethingresolve to do somethingAfter the divorce she resolved never to marry again.resolveresolve thatMary resolved that she would stop smoking.resolvewillsmoke3DECIDEto make a formal decision, especially by votingresolve to do somethingThe Senate resolved to accept the President’s proposals.resolveproposal4SEPARATE technical to separate something into its different parts: DNA samples were extracted and resolved.samplebeextractresolveCOLLOCATIONSnounsresolve a problem/crisis/situation Action is being taken to resolve the problem.bebetakeresolve a dispute/conflict Negotiation is the only way to resolve the dispute.beresolve an issue/matter/question Has the issue been resolved yet?haveberesolveresolve your differences (=stop arguing with each other) She and Rose had finally resolved their differences.risehaveresolvedifferenceadverbssatisfactorily Some problems still hadn’t been satisfactorily resolved.problemberesolvefully/completely It is a row that may never be fully resolved.beresolvepeacefully We wanted to resolve the situation peacefully.wantamicably (=in a friendly way) We will always do our best to resolve complaints amicably.wellcomplaintquickly The matter was resolved quite quickly.beresolveTHESAURUSdecide to make a choice to do something: We decided to send our son to a boarding school.decideboard | I decided to go home early.decidemake up your mind to decide something, especially after thinking about it for a long time. Make up your mind is less formal than decide and is mainly used in spoken English: Have you made up your mind about where you’ll go on holiday?makechoose to do something to decide to do something – especially when this is different from what people expect or tell you to do: She chose to ignore my advice.choose | More young couples are choosing not to marry.couplebechoosemake a decision to decide after thinking carefully about something, especially about something that is very important: They made a decision not to have children.makechildresolve formal to decide that you will definitely do something, especially because you think it will be better for you, or because of your past experiences: She resolved to work hard at school.resolvedetermine formal to officially decide what something shall be: Each hospital can determine its own pay rates.ratecome down in favour of something British English, come down in favor of something American English to decide to support a particular plan, argument etc – used especially about groups of people: Eight of the ten committee members came down in favour of the changes.membercomechangecome to/reach a decision to officially decide about something important after discussing and carefully considering it - used especially about groups of people: After two hours of discussion, the comittee had still not come to a decision on any of the proposals.hourhaveproposalresolve (something) into something phrasal verb1technical to separate into parts, or to separate something: This mixture will resolve into two separate compounds.compound2resolve (itself) into something formalCHANGE FROM ONE THING TO ANOTHER to gradually change into something else SYN become: The argument resolved itself into an uneasy truce.resolve
resolvenounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1 2Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesresolveresolvesresolveresolve2 AC noun [uncountable] formalDETERMINED strong determination to succeed in doing something: Recent events strengthened her resolve to find out the truth.eventstrengthenTHESAURUSdetermination the quality of continuing to try to do something, even when it is difficult: Bill got where he is today by sheer hard work and determination.getbe | I really admired her determination to live her own life.admirewillpower the ability to control your mind and body in order to achieve something you have decided to do: It takes a lot of willpower to give up smoking.takesmoke | She made herself get better by sheer willpower, when everyone else had given up hope.makewellhavegivedrive the determination and energy to succeed, especially in business or work: We’re looking for young people who have drive, initiative, and new ideas.lookidea | He’s clever enough, but he lacks drive.lackresolve formal a strong determination to succeed in doing something, especially because you are sure that it is a good thing to do: The poverty she saw there strengthened her resolve to do something to help.seestrengthen | The success of a military enterprise depends partly on the resolve of its leaders.dependleaderperseverance the ability to continue trying to achieve something over a long period in a patient way, even when this is difficult: Reaching this standard of musical skill requires incredible perseverance.reachrequire | A good teacher should have imagination and perseverance.shallruthlessness the quality of being extremely determined to achieve what you want, and not caring if you have to hurt other people to do it: He was a man who pursued his aims with complete ruthlessness.bepursueaim | The revolt was suppressed with total ruthlessness.besuppresstenacity formal the determination to never stop trying to do something, especially when other people try to stop you: He clung to power with a remarkable tenacity.cling | When fighting cancer, Tsongas showed the same tenacity he displayed in politics.fightshowdisplay
noun [countable]
Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: plege, from Late Latin plebium, from plebere ‘to pledge’ 1promise formalPROMISE a serious promise or agreement, especially one made publicly or officiallypledge of
a pledge of support for the planpledge to do somethingthe government’s pledge to make no deals with terroristsdealterroristmake/take/give a pledgeParents make a pledge to take their children to rehearsals.parentchildrehearsalkeep/fulfil/honour a pledgeEisenhower fulfilled his election pledge to end the war in Korea.fulfil2money a promise to give money to an organization: Donors have made pledges totaling nearly $4 million.donormakepledgetotalpledge ofa pledge of $200 to the public TV station3something valuablePROMISE something valuable that you leave with someone else as proof that you will do what you have agreed to do4us colleges someone who has promised to become a member of a fraternity or sorority at an American universityCOLLOCATIONSverbsmake/give a pledge Several European countries made similar pledges.countrymakepledgetake a pledge literary (=make one, especially formally) He took a pledge never to drink again.takekeep a pledge (=do what you promised to do) He has not kept his election pledges.havekeeppledgefulfil/honour a pledge (=more formal than keep) The time is coming when they will have to honour that pledge.becomerenege on a pledge formal (=not keep it) The government reneged on its electoral pledges.renegepledgeADJECTIVES/NOUN + pledgean election/campaign/manifesto pledge The governor had kept her campaign pledge to slash taxes.havekeeptaxa spending pledge BrE: I asked him to clarify Labour’s spending pledges.askspendpledgea firm pledge He also gave a firm pledge to build up the National Health Service.givea solemn pledge We will not forget. That is a solemn pledge.beTHESAURUSpromise a statement that you will definitely do or provide something, which may not be reliable: ‘I’ll call you tomorrow.’ ‘Is that a promise?’be | Politicians are always making promises.politicianbemakepromisepledge a public or official promise to do a particular thing in the future: The Government has fulfilled at least 50% of its election pledges.havefulfillittlepledge | We have received pledges of help from various organizations.receivepledgeorganizationvow a very serious promise to do something or not to do something that you choose to make: He made a vow never to drink alcohol again.make | your marriage vowsvowoath a formal promise, especially one that someone makes in a court of law: Witnesses swear a solemn oath to tell the truth.witness | Public officials must take an oath to support the US Constitution.officialundertaking a serious or public promise to do something, especially something difficult which needs a lot of effort or money: The police have given an undertaking to reduce street crime in the city centre.giveundertake | He was made to sign a written undertaking that he would not go within a mile of her house.bemakewriteundertakewillassurance a promise that something will happen or is true, made so that someone is less worried or more confident: You have my assurance that it won’t happen again.win | The manager gave me his personal assurance that the goods would be delivered today.givegoodwilldeliverguarantee a very definite promise that something will happen. A guarantee is also a formal written promise by a company to repair or replace a product free if it has a fault within a fixed period of time.: With any diet, there’s no guarantee of success. | I’m afraid I can’t give you a 100% guarantee. | Is the camera still under guarantee (=within the period during which it can be repaired or replaced free)?be
pledgeverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Word sets 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplespledgepledgespledgedpledgingpledgepledge2 verb [transitive]
Verb form1PROMISEpromise to make a formal, usually public, promise that you will do somethingpledge something to something/somebodyMoore pledged $100,000 to the orchestra at the fund-raising dinner.pledgeraisepledge to do somethingThe new governor pledged to reduce crime.pledgepledge thatHerrera pledged that his company will give aid to schools.pledgeschoolpledge (your) support/loyalty/solidarity etcHe pledged his cooperation.pledgepledge yourself to (do) somethingTrade unions pledged themselves to resist the government plans.unionpledgeplan2PROMISEmake somebody promise to make someone formally promise something: Employees were pledged to secrecy.employeebepledge3PROMISEleave something to leave something with someone as a pledge1(3)4us colleges to promise to become a member of a fraternity or sorority at an American universityTHESAURUSpromise to tell someone that you will definitely do something, or that something will happen: He promised to give the book back.promise | The organisers have promised that this year’s event will take place.promiseswear to make a very serious and sincere promise, for example in a law court: He had sworn to tell the truth.haveswear | I would never do that, I swear.willgive somebody your word especially spoken to promise sincerely that you will do something or that something is true – often used when you are trying to persuade someone that they can trust you: I give you my word that your money is safe with me.be | I’ll let you go out tonight if you give me your word that you’ll be home by 11.vow to make a very serious promise, often to yourself: She vowed that she would never drink alcohol again.vowwill | They vowed to carry on their campaign for justice.vowassure to promise someone that something will happen or that something is true, in order to try to make them feel less worried: Police have assured the public that they are doing everything they can to find the killer.assurebedoguarantee to promise that you will make sure that something will definitely happen, so that there is no question of it not happening: I guarantee that you will have the documents by tomorrow.document | How can you guarantee that this won’t happen again?winpledge to promise publicly or officially that you will do something, for example to give help or money: The government has pledged to increase overseas aid to $4 billion over the next five years.havepledgeyearundertake formal to make an official or legal promise to do something: The government undertook to keep price increases to a minimum.undertakeincrease | The two sides undertook to respect each other’s territory.sideundertakecommit to something formal to make a firm and definite promise to do something important, which will affect you for a long time and which could result in serious effects if you fail: Bobby felt unready to commit to a romantic relationship.feel | A group of 11 companies has committed to developing a new passenger plane.companyhavecommitdevelop
abbreviation for Strategic Arms Limitation Talks; talks between the US and the former Soviet Union, which aimed to reach agreement about limiting the number of nuclear weapons that each country kept. Two SALT Treaties (=official agreements) were signed: SALT I (1972) and SALT II (1979). → compare START
saltnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Word sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplessaltsaltssaltsalt1 S2 W3 /sɔːlt $ sɒːlt/
nounLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: sealt
1 [uncountable] a natural white mineral that is added to food to make it taste better or to preserve it: This might need some salt and pepper.a pinch of salt (=a very small amount)Could you pass the salt?can2the salt of the earthGOOD/MORAL someone who is ordinary but good and honest3take something with a pinch/grain of salt informalBELIEVE# to not completely believe what someone tells you, because you know that they do not always tell the truth: Most of what he says should be taken with a pinch of salt.sayshalltake4[countable] technical a type of chemical substance that is formed when an acid is combined with a base → Epsom salts, smelling salts, old salt, → rub salt into sb’s wounds at rub1(7), → worth his/her salt at worth1(10)
saltverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1 2Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplessaltsaltssaltedsaltingsaltsalt2 verb [transitive]Verb form1to add salt to food to make it taste better: salted peanutssaltpeanut2(also salt down) to add salt to food to preserve itsalted pork/meat/fishThe meat is salted to store it through the winter.besalt3to put salt on the roads to prevent them from becoming icysalt something ↔ away phrasal verb SAVE MONEYto save money for the future, especially dishonestly by hiding it: She salted the money away in a secret account.salt
saltadjectiveCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplessaltsaltersaltestsaltsalt3 adjective [only before noun]1preserved with salt: salt pork2salt water water that contains salt, especially naturally in the sea3consisting of salt water: a salt lake
noun [countable]
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: tægel 1animal the part that sticks out at the back of an animal’s body, and that it can move:
The dog wagged its tail.wagwhite-tailed/long-tailed etca white-tailed eagletail2
aircraft the back part of an aircraft3shirt the bottom part of your shirt at the back, that you put inside your trousers4back part [usually singular]BACK OF STH the back or last part of something, especially something that is moving away from you: We saw the tail of the procession disappearing round the corner.seedisappear5tails a)[plural] a man’s jacket which is short at the front and divides into two long pieces at the back, worn to very formal events SYN tailcoat b)[uncountable] spoken said when you are tossing a coin (=throwing it up in the air to decide which of two things you will do or choose) OPP heads6the tail end of somethingBACK OF STH the last part of an event, situation, or period of time7be on sb’s tail informalFOLLOW to be following someone closely8follow informalFOLLOW someone who is employed to watch and follow someone, especially a criminalput a tail on somebody (=order someone to follow another person)9turn tail informalLEAVE YOUR HOME/COUNTRY to run away because you are too frightened to fight or attack10with your tail between your legsEMBARRASSED embarrassed or unhappy because you have failed or been defeated11it’s (a case of) the tail wagging the dog informalOPPOSITE/REVERSE used to say that an unimportant thing is wrongly controlling a situation12chase tail American English informal to try to get a woman to have sex with youCOLLOCATIONSadjectiveslong Some dinosaurs had long necks and equally long tails.dinosaurhavenecktailshort Its tail is short and pointed.bepointbushy (=with long thick fur) My cat has a soft bushy tail.havea prehensile tail technical (=able to hold things) Many monkeys have prehensile tails.monkeytailverbsa dog wags its tail/its tail wags Domino rushed to meet her, tail wagging with excitement.rushwaga cow/cat etc swishes its tail (=quickly moves it from side to side) The cow wandered off, swishing her tail.wanderswishtail + NOUNtail feathers The bird’s wings and tail feathers were a beautiful purple color.wingfeatherbeCOMMON ERRORS ► Do not say 'wave its tail' or 'shake its tail'. Say wag its tail.
tailverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplestailtailstailedtailingtailtail2 verb [transitive]Verb form informalFOLLOW to follow someone and watch what they do, where they go etc: The police have been tailing him for several months.betailmonthtail away phrasal verb British English STOP HAPPENINGto tail offtail back phrasal verb British English if traffic tails back, a long line of cars forms, for example because the road is blockedtail off (also tail awaytail away British English) phrasal verb1STOP HAPPENINGto become gradually less, smaller etc, and often stop or disappear completely: Profits tailed off towards the end of the year.profittail2written if someone’s voice tails off, it becomes quieter and then stops: ‘I didn’t mean ...’ Her voice tailed off in embarrassment.tailTHESAURUSfollow to walk, drive etc behind or after someone, for example in order to see where they are going: The man had followed her home to find out where she lived.havefollowlive | Follow that car! | He hired a detective to follow her.hirechase to quickly run or drive after someone or something in order to catch them when they are trying to escape: Police chased the car along the motorway at speeds of up to 90 mph.chasespeedrun after somebody/go after somebody to quickly follow someone or something in order to stop them or talk to them: I ran after him to say sorry, but he’d already got on the bus.rungetstalk /stɔːk $ stɒːk/ to secretly follow an animal in order to kill it, or to secretly follow a person in order to attack them: a tiger stalking its preystalk | He had a long history of stalking women in his neighbourhood.havestalkwomanpursue /pəˈsjuː $ pərˈsuː/ written to chase someone in a very determined way: The ship was being pursued by enemy submarines.bebepursuesubmarinegive chase written to chase someone or something who is trying to escape from you: One of the officers gave chase and arrested the man.officergivearrest | The calf ran away and the lion gave chase.rungivetail to secretly follow someone in order to watch what they do and where they go: Apparently, the police had been tailing the terrorists for months.havebetailterroristmonthtrack to follow and find a person or animal by looking at the marks they leave on the ground: The bushmen were tracking antelope in the Kalahari desert.bushmanbetrack
nounDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: reille ‘bar’, from Latin regula ‘ruler’, from regere ‘to keep straight’ 1[uncountable] the railway system → train:
the American rail systema high-speed rail networkPassengers want a better rail service.passengerwellthe Channel Tunnel and its rail links with Londonlinkby railWe continued our journey by rail.continueI need to buy a rail ticket.cheap rail faresfare2[countable] one of the two long metal tracks fastened to the ground that trains move along3[countable] a bar that is fastened along or around something, especially to stop you from going somewhere or from falling: Several passengers were leaning against the ship’s rail.passengerbelean → guardrail, handrail4[countable] a bar that you use to hang things on: a towel raila curtain rail5go off the rails informal to start behaving in a strange or socially unacceptable way: At 17 he suddenly went off the rails and started stealing.gorailstartsteal6back on the rails happening or functioning normally again: The coach was credited with putting the team back on the rails.becreditputrailCOLLOCATIONSrail + NOUNthe rail network/system (=the system of railway lines in a country) The government has spent £2 billion on improving the country's rail network.havespendimprovea rail service People want a safe, reliable rail service.a rail ticket a first-class rail ticketa rail fare Rail fares are to increase by up to 9.4%.fareberail travel They had introduced measures to make rail travel safer.haveintroducemeasuresafea rail passenger Rail passengers will have to pay more for their tickets next year.passengerticketa rail crash Police have named four more victims of the Selby rail crash.namevictima rail link (=that makes train travel between two places possible) He proposed building a high-speed rail link between the two airports.proposebuildairport
railverbCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesrailrailsrailedrailingrailrail2 verbDate: 1400-1500Language: French
Origin: railler ‘to make fun of’, from Late Latin ragere ‘to make the sound of a horse’ Verb form1[transitive]SEPARATE to enclose or separate an area with rails → cordon offrail something off/in
The police railed off the area where the accident happened.railhappen2[intransitive and transitive] formalANGRY to complain angrily about something, especially something that you think is very unfairrail against/atConsumers rail against the way companies fix prices.consumercompanyprice
noun
Sense 1,3,7:Date: 1400-1500
Language: French
Origin: plat ‘plate, dish’, from plat ‘flat’, from Vulgar Latin plattus, probably from Greek platys ‘broad, flat’Sense 2, 4-5,8-11:
Date: 1200-1300
Language: Old French
Origin: plat ‘flat’Sense 6:
Date: 1300-1400
Origin: Partly from Old French plat ‘plate, piece of silver’, partly from Old Spanish plata ‘silver’ 1food [countable] a)a flat and usually round dish that you eat from or serve food on:
The plates were piled high with rice.platebepilea dinner plate b)(also plateful)AMOUNT the amount of food that is on a plateplate ofHe’s eaten a whole plate of french fries.eatfry ► Do not use plate when you mean ‘food cooked in a particular way as a meal’. Use dish: the chef who created this dish (NOT this plate)2sign [countable] a flat piece of metal with words or numbers on it, for example on a door or a car: The brass plate on the door said ‘Dr Rackman’.saynumber/license/registration plate (=on a car)Did anyone see the car’s license plate?do → L-plate, nameplate3have a lot/enough on your plate informal to have a lot of problems to deal with or problems to worry about4protective covering [countable] a)technical one of the thin sheets of bone, horn etc that covers and protects the outside of some animals b)a thin sheet of metal used to protect somethingmetal/steel/iron platesThe shoes had metal plates attached to the heels.shoehaveplateattachheel5earth’s surface [countable] technical one of the very large sheets of rock that form the surface of the Earth → plate tectonics6gold/silver a)gold/silver plate ordinary metal with a thin covering of gold or silver b)[uncountable] things such as plates, cups, forks, or knives made of gold or silver7hand/give/offer somebody something on a plate to let someone get or achieve something easily, without much effort from them: I worked hard for what I’ve got. It wasn’t handed to me on a plate.workgethand8pictures/photos [countable] a)a sheet of metal that has been cut or treated in a special way so that words or pictures can be printed from its surface: copper printing platesprintplate b)PICTUREa picture in a book, printed on good-quality paper and usually coloured c)a thin sheet of glass used especially in the past in photography, with chemicals on it that are sensitive to light9baseball [countable usually singular] the place where the person hitting the ball stands10competition the ... Plate used in the names of sports competitions or races in which the winner gets a silver plate: This horse won the Galway Plate.win11teeth [countable] a)a thin piece of plastic shaped to fit inside a person’s mouth, into which false teeth are fixed b)British English a thin piece of plastic with wires fixed to it, that some people wear in their mouth to make their teeth straight SYN brace British English → hotplate
plateverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesplateplatesplatedplatingplateplate2 verb [transitive]Verb form be plated with something a)to be covered with a thin covering of gold or silver: a beautiful necklace, plated with 22-carat goldplategold-plated/silver-plateda gold-plated watchplate b)COVERto be covered in sheets of a hard material such as metal: The ship had been heavily plated with protective sheets.havebeplatesheet
noun [countable]Date: 1600-1700Language: French
Origin: guitare, from Spanish guitarra, from Arabic qitar, from Greek kithara type of stringed instrument
a musical instrument usually with six strings that you play by pulling the strings with your fingers or with a plectrum (=small piece of plastic, metal etc)an acoustic/an electric/a classical guitar → bass guitar, steel guitar
adjective (comparative taller, superlative tallest)Language: Old EnglishOrigin: getæl ‘quick, ready’ 1HIGHTALL PERSONa person, building, tree etc that is tall is a greater height than normal:
He was young and tall.bea house surrounded by tall treessurroundtreeThis bush grows tall very quickly.grow2you use ‘tall’ to say or ask what the height of something or someone is6ft/2m/12 inches etc tallHe’s only 5 feet tall.footHow tall is that building?bebuildShe’s a little taller than her sister.tall3American English a tall drink contains a small amount of alcohol mixed with a large amount of a non-alcoholic drink4a tall order informalIMPOSSIBLE a request or piece of work that is almost impossible: Finding a replacement is going to be a tall order.findbego5tall story/tale a story that is so unlikely that it is difficult to believe—tallnesstallnessestallness noun [uncountable] → stand tall at stand1(39), → walk tall at walk1(10)THESAURUSbuildings/mountains etchigh measuring a long distance from the bottom to the top – used about mountains, walls, and buildings: the highest mountain in the worldhigh | The castle was surrounded by high walls.besurroundwall | a high cliff | The council told the architects the tower was too high.tellarchitectbetall high – used about people, trees, plants, and buildings. Tall is used especially about things that are high and narrow: tall marble columnscolumn | A cat was hiding in the tall grass.behid | a tall modern buildingbuildmajestic especially written very impressive because of being very big and tall – used about mountains, buildings, trees, and animals: the majestic mountains of the Himalayasmountain | The abbey is noted for its majestic arches, fine doorways and elegant windows.benotearchdoorwaywindow | The cathedral looked majestic in the evening light.lookevensoaring [only before noun] especially written used about a building or mountain that looks extremely tall and impressive: a soaring skyscrapersoar | the soaring towers of the palacesoartowertowering [only before noun] especially written extremely high, in a way that seems impressive but also often rather frightening: The sky was shut out by the towering walls of the prison.betowerwall | towering treestowertreelofty [usually before noun] literary very high and impressive – used in literature: the lofty peaks in the far distancepeakhigh-rise [usually before noun] a high-rise building is a tall modern building with a lot of floors containing apartments or offices: a high-rise apartment block | He works in a high-rise office in New York.work
verb [transitive]Word familyVerb form1REMIND/MAKE SB REMEMBERto make someone remember something that they must do: Yes, I’ll be there. Thanks for reminding me.thankremindremind somebody about somethingThe girls constantly had to be reminded about their chores.girlhaveremindchoreremind somebody to do somethingRemind me to buy some milk tonight.remind somebody (that)Mrs Welland reminded her son that they still had several people to see.remindhavethat reminds me (=used when something has just made you remember something you were going to say or do)Oh, that reminds me, I saw Jenny in town today.remindseeremind yourselfI reminded myself to watch them closely.remindHe made a few notes to remind himself of what he wanted to say.makenotewant2REMIND/MAKE SB REMEMBERto make someone remember someone that they know or something that happened in the pastremind somebody of somethingThat song always reminds me of our first date.remindremind somebody (of) what/how etcI was reminded how lucky I was.beremindbe3don’t remind me spokenREMIND/MAKE SB REMEMBER used in a joking way when someone has mentioned something that embarrasses or annoys you: ‘We’ve got a test tomorrow.’ ‘Don’t remind me!’get4let me remind you/may I remind you (that) spoken formalWARN used to emphasize a warning or criticism: Let me remind you that you are expected to arrive on time.beexpectremind somebody of somebody/something phrasal verb [not in progressive] LIKE/SIMILARto seem similar to someone or something else: The landscape reminded her of Scotland.remindCorinne reminds me of myself when I was her age.remindbe
adjective [only before noun]Word family NOWpresent or being used now: the existing lawsexistlawThe service is available to all existing customers.beexistcustomerTHESAURUSpresent [only before noun] happening or existing now: The present situation could get much worse.canill | the present century | There are no plans to build more houses here at the present time.beplanhousecurrent [only before noun] present – used especially about something that is not expected to stay the same for long: current trends in fashiontrend | the current state of the UK economyexisting [only before noun] formal existing or being used now – used about things or situations that you think may be changed in the future: The existing offices are too small.existofficebe | The proposal will strengthen existing immigration laws.existlawcontemporary [only before noun] used about the art, writing, ideas, society etc that belong to the present time: the impact of computer-generated imagery on contemporary art and designgenerate | contemporary music in Russiatoday’s/of today used about conditions and attitudes that exist now, when you are comparing them with those that existed in the past: People struggle to keep up with the pace of life in today’s world of instant communications.communication | the liberal ideology of today
adverbDate: 1500-1600Origin: abroad ‘over a wide area’ (13-21 centuries), from broad 1FOREIGNTRAVELin or to a foreign country:
I’ve never lived abroad before.liveShe often goes abroad on business.goWe never travelled abroad when we were kids.travelbekidgoods imported from abroadgoodimportThe books about Harry Potter have been very popular, both at home and abroad.bookbe2formal if a feeling, piece of news etc is abroad, a lot of people feel it or know about it: commercial secrets which we did not want to be spread abroadsecretdo
adjectiveWord family EXCITEDmaking you feel excited: an exciting discoveryexcite‘Julia and Paul are getting married!’ ‘Oh, how exciting!’begetmarryexciteI’ve got some very exciting news for you.getexciteLet’s do something exciting.exciteMelanie finds her work exciting and rewarding.findexciterewardexciting opportunity/possibility/prospect etcexciting job opportunitiesexciteopportunity—excitinglyexcitingly adverb: the most excitingly original movie of the yearCOLLOCATIONSnounsan exciting opportunity The job offers an exciting career opportunity for the right individual.offerexcitean exciting possibility Penny allowed herself to consider the exciting possibility that Jack might be at the party.allowexcitean exciting time It was the most exciting time of my life.beexcitean exciting development (=a change that makes a product, situation etc better) This exciting development could mark the end of the long-running conflict.excitecanrunan exciting prospect (=an event in the future, about which you feel excited) For the team, there’s the exciting prospect of travelling to many major cities.excitetravelcityan exciting prospect (=a person who has a good chance of success in the future) His pace and skill mark him as one of the most exciting prospects in Super League.exciteprospectverbsfind something exciting He found it very exciting to ride a horse at such speed and jump over large obstacles.findexciteobstacleadverbssexually exciting The images are sexually exciting.imagebeexcitephrasesnew and exciting The theme park has many new and exciting rides.haveexciteridean exciting new something There are many exciting new developments in cancer research.beexcitedevelopmentTHESAURUSthrilling /ˈθrɪlɪŋ/ very excitinggripping a gripping film, story etc is very exciting and interestingdramatic used about something that is exciting to watch or hear about as it happens: the dramatic events of the past weekeventexhilarating /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ making you feel happy, excited, and full of energy: an exhilarating rideexhilaratenail-biting very exciting, especially because you do not know what is going to happen next: a nail-biting finishbite
the written abbreviation of population
noun [countable]Date: 1400-1500Language: French
Origin: régime, from Latin regimen; → REGIMEN 1a government, especially one that was not elected fairly or that you disapprove of for some other reason:
The regime got rid of most of its opponents.getopponentmilitary/totalitarian/fascist regimebrutal/oppressive/corrupt regime2a particular system – used especially when talking about a previous system, or one that has just been introducedunder a regimeUnder the new regime, all sheep and cattle will be regularly tested for disease.test3a special plan of food, exercise etc that is intended to improve your health SYN regimen: a dietary regimeCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesa political regime All political regimes attempt to manipulate the media.regimemediuma military regime The military regime arrrested anyone who dared to speak against it.darea totalitarian regime (=in which people are totally controlled by a government that is not elected) Totalitarian regimes ban books they disapprove of.regimebookan authoritarian regime (=with very strong control) The post-war authoritarian regimes of eastern Europe have been replaced by democratically elected governments.regimebereplaceelectgovernmenta communist regime the collapse of communist regimes in eastern Europeregimea fascist regime Mussolini 's fascist regime in Italya democratic regime the establishment of a liberal democratic regimean oppressive/repressive regime (=powerful, cruel, and unfair) That country was held fast in the grip of an oppressive regime.beholda brutal regime (=cruel and violent) Many asylum seekers have fled from brutal regimes.seekerfleeregimea corrupt regime (=dishonest) Much of the aid that the Americans sent lined the pockets of his corrupt regime.sendlinepocketverbsoverthrow/topple a regime (=remove it from power) In 1979, Tanzanian forces overthrew the regime of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin.forceoverthrowoppose a regime (=fight or compete against it) People who opposed the regime were executed in a wave of political violence.opposebeexecutea regime comes to power He criticised European leaders for supporting a regime that came to power through violence.leadersupportcomea regime collapses/falls (=loses power) Authoritarian regimes tend to collapse in times of economic hardship.regimetimeTHESAURUSgovernment [uncountable and countable] the group of people who govern a country or the system they use to govern it: The French government did not sign the agreement.do | a democratic system of governmentadministration [countable] the government of a country, especially one such as the US, which is led by a president: the Kennedy administration | the problems left by the previous adminstrationproblemleaveregime [countable] a government, especially one that was not elected fairly or that you disapprove of: Most people opposed the apartheid regime.opposethe executive [singular] the part of the government that makes sure that laws and decisions work well: the separation of powers between the executive, the legislature, and the judiciarypowerdemocracy [uncountable and countable] a political system in which everyone can vote to choose the government, or a country that has this system: The transition to democracy has not been easy.havebe | In a democracy, people have freedom of speech.republic [countable] a country that has an elected government, and is led by a president, not a king or queen: Mauritius became a republic in 1992.becomemonarchy [uncountable and countable] /ˈmɒnəki $ ˈmɑːnərki/ the system of having a king or queen as the head of state, or a country that has this system: Some monarchies have elected governments.monarchyelectgovernment | controversy about the institution of monarchy
nounSense 1, 3:Date: 1400-1500
Language: Middle Low German
Origin: pumpe or Middle Dutch pompe, probably from Spanish bombaSense 2:
Date: 1500-1600
Origin: Origin unknown 1[countable] a machine for forcing liquid or gas into or out of somethingwater/air/beer etc pump (=for moving water, air etc)hand/foot pump (=operated by your hand or foot)petrol pump/gas pump (=for putting petrol into cars)stomach pump (=for removing the contents of someone’s stomach)2[countable usually plural] a)British English a flat light shoe for dancing, exercise, sport etc b)American English a woman’s plain shoe with no laces, buckles etc:
a pair of leather pumpspump3[countable]MOVE STH OR SB an act of pumping → heat pump, → all hands to the pumps at hand1(38), → prime the pump at prime3(4), → parish pump
pumpverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplespumppumpspumpedpumpingpumppump2 verb
Verb form1move in a direction [transitive always + adverb/preposition]MOVE STH OR SB to make liquid or gas move in a particular direction, using a pumppump something into/out of/through somethingThe fire department is still pumping floodwater out of the cellars.bepumpcellar2move from under ground [transitive] to bring a supply of water, oil etc to the surface from under the ground: We were able to pump clean water from several of the wells.bewellpump gas American English (=put gasoline into a car)He got a job pumping gas for the hotel guests.getpumpguest3move in and out [intransitive] (also pump away)MOVE/CHANGE POSITION to move very quickly in and out or up and down: My heart was pumping fast.bepump4use a pump [intransitive] (also pump away)MOVE STH OR SB to operate a pumppump atThe furnace man’s job was to pump away furiously at the bellows.bebellow5come out [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]LIQUID if a liquid pumps from somewhere, it comes out suddenly in small amountspump from/out ofBlood pumped from the wound.pumpwind6ask questions [transitive] informalASK A QUESTION to ask someone a lot of questions in order to get information from thempump somebody for somethingI tried to pump him for information about their other contacts.trycontact7drugs pump somebody full of something informal to put a lot of drugs into someone’s body: athletes pumped full of steroidsathletepumpsteroid8exercise pump iron informal to do exercises by lifting heavy weights9medical treatment have your stomach pumped to have a medical treatment to remove things you have swallowed, using a pumppump something into somebody/something phrasal verb1pump bullets into somebody/something informalSHOOT to shoot someone several times2pump money into something to put a lot of money into a project, investment etcpump out phrasal verb1MAKEif something such as music, information, or a supply of products pumps out, or if someone pumps it out, a lot of it is produced: Music pumped out from the loudspeakers.pumploudspeakerpump something ↔ outpropaganda pumped out by the food industrypump2pump something ↔ outMOVE STH OR SB to remove liquid from something, using a pump: You’ll have to pump the boat out.pump something/somebody ↔ up phrasal verb1AIRto fill a tyre, airbed etc with air until it is full SYN inflate2INCREASE IN NUMBER OR AMOUNT informal to increase the value, amount, or level of something: The US was able to pump up exports.beexportCome on, pump up the volume (=play music louder)!3to increase someone’s excitement, interest etc
adverbWord family1very much or to a great degreeseriously ill/injured/damaged etcWas she seriously hurt?beI’m seriously worried about Ben.worrySomething was seriously wrong.be2SERIOUS/NOT JOKING a)in a way that is not joking, especially because something is important: It’s time we talked seriously about our relationship.talk b)[sentence adverb] spoken used to show that what you say next is not a joke: Seriously though, I think Toby likes you.like3take somebody/something seriouslySERIOUS/NOT JOKING to believe that someone or something is worth your attention or respect: As a teacher, it’s important that the kids take you seriously.kidIt’s only a joke – don’t take it seriously!4seriously? spokenSERIOUS/NOT JOKING used to ask someone if they really mean what they have just said: ‘The job’s yours.’ ‘Seriously?’COLLOCATIONSadjectivesseriously ill Her mother is seriously ill in hospital.beseriously/injured/hurt/wounded He was seriously injured in a car accident on Friday.beinjureseriously damaged His reputation had been seriously damaged.havebedamageseriously affected A number of bird sanctuaries were seriously affected by the oil spill.numbsanctuarybeaffectseriously flawed (=having a bad weakness or fault) From the outset, this project was seriously flawed.beseriously wrong I was worried there was something seriously wrong with me.beworrybeseriously worried Hazel was now seriously worried.beworry
to kill someone by hanging them
Thesaurus: to kill a person or animalsynonym to kill yourselfhyponym
Main entry: string
the past participle of do
doneadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesThesaurus 1Activator 1Word sets 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesdonedonedone2 adjective [not before noun, no comparative]
Word family1FINISHEDFINISH/COME TO AN ENDfinished finished or completed SYN finished: The job’s nearly done.dosomebody is done (with something) (=someone has finished doing or using something)As soon as I’m done, I’ll give you a call.doAre you done with this magazine?bedoI’ll be glad when the exams are over and done with (=completely finished).exambedo2COOKEDcooked cooked enough to eat → overdone, underdone: Is the pasta done yet?bedo3be done for informalSERIOUS SITUATION to be in serious trouble or likely to fail: If we get caught, we’re done for.catchdo4done in informalTIRED extremely tired: You look done in.do5be done (also be the done thing British English)RIGHT/PROPER to be socially acceptable: Showing affection in public just isn’t done in Japan.showdo6be done with it (also have done with it British English)FINISH/COME TO AN END used to tell someone to stop thinking about or trying to decide something because they have already done this enough: Just buy it and have done with it!do7be doneTRICK/DECEIVE British English informal to be deceived or cheated: If you paid £50, you were done, mate!paybedo8be/get done British English informal to be caught by the police for doing something illegal, but usually not too seriousbe/get done forI got done for speeding last night.getdospeed9a done deal informal an agreement that has been made and cannot be changed: The merger is far from a done deal.bedo10done and dusted British English informal completely finished or completed: It was all done and dusted within forty-five minutes.bedodustminute → be hard done by at hard2(6)THESAURUSfinished if something is finished, you have done all of it: She showed him the finished drawing.showfinishdraw | I was very pleased with the finished result.bepleasefinishdone [not before noun] finished - used especially in everyday English instead of finished: I can’t come out till my essay’s done.do | They promised the work would be done by April.promisewilldocomplete [not before noun] completely finished – used especially to emphasize that there is no more work to do: Six months later the job was complete.monthlatebe | The first stage of the project is now complete.beover finished – used about an event, activity, or period of time: Football practice is over at 4:30. Can you pick me up then?be | The summer was nearly over.bebe through informal to have finished doing something or using something: I probably won’t be through till about 6 o'clock.win | Are you through with those scissors?bescissor
doneinterjectionCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesdonedonedone3 interjection AGREEused to agree to and accept the conditions of a deal: ‘I’ll give you $90 for it.’ ‘Done!’do
nounWord family1[uncountable and countable] a)a medical condition that makes you very unhappy and anxious and often prevents you from living a normal life: women who suffer from post-natal depression (=that sometimes happens after the birth of a baby)woman b)SAD/UNHAPPYa feeling of sadness that makes you think there is no hope for the future: Lucy’s mood was one of deep depression.be2the (Great) DepressionFAIL the period during the 1930s when there was not much business activity and not many jobs3[uncountable and countable]FAIL a long period during which there is very little business activity and a lot of people do not have jobs → recession: the devastating effects of economic depressiondevastateeffect4[countable]HOLE a part of a surface that is lower than the other parts: depressions in the grounddepressiongrind5[countable] technical a mass of air under low pressure, that usually causes rain
verb
Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: ruser ‘to drive back, deceive’, from Latin recusare; RECUSE Verb form1move quickly [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]HURRY to move very quickly, especially because you need to be somewhere very soon SYN hurry:
A small girl rushed past her.rushMo rushed off down the corridor.rush2rush to do somethingHURRY to do something very quickly and without delay: I rushed to pack my suitcase before she came back.rushcomeHe rushed to help his comrade.rush3do something too quickly [intransitive and transitive]HURRY to do or decide something too quickly, especially so that you do not have time to do it carefully or well: He does not intend to rush his decision.dorush intoI’m not rushing into marriage again.rushrush throughShe rushed through her script.rushrush it/thingsWhen we first met, neither of us wanted to rush things.meetwantthing4take/send urgently [transitive always + adverb/preposition]HURRY to take or send someone or something somewhere very quickly, especially because of an unexpected problemrush somebody/something to somethingThe Red Cross rushed medical supplies to the war zone.rushsupplyDan was rushed to hospital with serious head injuries.berushinjury5make somebody hurry [transitive]HURRY to try to make someone do something more quickly than they want to: I’m sorry to rush you, but we need a decision by Friday.rush somebody into (doing) somethingThey felt they were being rushed into choosing a new leader.feelbeberushchoose6liquid [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] if water or another liquid rushes somewhere, it moves quickly: Water rushed through the gorge.rush7blood blood rushes to sb’s face/cheeks used to say that someone’s face becomes red because they feel embarrassed: I felt the blood rush to my face as I heard my name.feelhear8attack [transitive]ATTACK to attack a person or place suddenly and in a group: They rushed the guard and stole his keys.rushstealkey9American universities American English a)[transitive] to give parties for students, have meetings etc, in order to decide whether to let them join your fraternity or sorority (=type of club) b)[intransitive and transitive] to go through the process of trying to be accepted into one of these clubs10American football [intransitive and transitive] to carry the ball forwardTHESAURUSrush to move very quickly, especially because you need to be somewhere soon: He was rushing out of his office in order to go to a meeting.berushmeet | There’s no need to rush - we have plenty of time.hurry to do something or go somewhere more quickly than usual, especially because there is not much time: People hurried into stores to escape the rain.hurrystore | You ll have to hurry or we 'll be late for breakfast | I hurried through the rest of my workout and showered as quickly as I could.hurryshowercanrace to go somewhere as fast as you can: She raced downstairs to tell her mother.race | He raced back to his car and called for help.racecalltear to run very quickly and without really looking where you are going, because you are in a hurry: I saw two boys tearing across the field towards the tree.seeboytear | He tore down the stairs and out of the house.tearstair | They tore out of the building.tearbuilddash to run somewhere very fast, especially only a short distance: Bob dashed across the road to his friend’s house.dash | Her heart was pumping furiously as she dashed through the kitchen to the front door.bepumpdash | I dashed outside to try to rescue the unfortunate creature.dashhustle American English informal to hurry when you are doing something or going somewhere: You better hustle or you’re going to miss the school bus.wellgohasten literary to hurry somewhere, especially because you need to do something: Suddenly frightened, she hastened back to where her friends were standing.frightenhastenfriendbestand | She took a deep breath and then hastened after him.takehastenrush around (also rush aboutrush about British English) phrasal verb HURRYto try to do a lot of things in a short period of time: Get things ready early so that you don’t have to rush around at the last minute.thingrush something ↔ out phrasal verb to make a new product, book etc available for sale very quickly: The new edition was rushed out just before Christmas.berushrush something ↔ through phrasal verb to deal with official or government business more quickly than usualrush something through somethingThe legislation was rushed through parliament.berush
rushnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4 5Word sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesrushrushesrushrush2 noun
Sense 1-6, 7-8:Date: 1300-1400
Origin: → RUSH1Sense 6:
Language: Old English
Origin: risc 1fast movement [singular]HURRY a sudden fast movement of things or peoplerush of air/wind/water
She felt a cold rush of air as she wound down her window.feelwindin a rushHer words came out in a rush.wordcomeAt five past twelve there was a mad rush to the dinner hall.be2hurry [singular, uncountable]HURRY a situation in which you need to hurry: I knew there would be a last-minute rush to meet the deadline.knowwillDon’t worry, there’s no rush. We don’t have to be at the station until 10.do something in a rush (=do something quickly because you need to hurry)I had to do my homework in a rush because I was late.havebebe in a rushI’m sorry, I can’t talk now – I’m in a rush.3busy period the rushBUSY PLACE the time in the day, month, year etc when a place or group of people is particularly busy → peak: The café is quiet until the lunchtime rush begins.bebeginthe Christmas rush → rush hour4people wanting something [singular]HURRY a situation in which a lot of people suddenly try to do or get somethingrush onThere’s always a rush on swimsuits in the hot weather.swimsuitrush to do somethingthe rush to put computers in all schoolscomputerschool → gold rush5feeling [singular] a)informalEXCITED a sudden strong, usually pleasant feeling that you get from taking a drug or from doing something exciting → high: The feeling of power gave me such a rush.feelgivean adrenalin rush b)rush of anger/excitement/gratitude etcSTRONG FEELING OR BELIEF a sudden very strong feeling of anger etc: I felt a rush of excitement when she arrived.feelarriveA rush of jealousy swept through her.sweep6plant [countable usually plural] a type of tall grass that grows in water, often used for making baskets7film rushes [plural] the first prints of a film before it has been edited SYN dailies American English8american students [uncountable] American English the time when students in American universities who want to join a fraternity or sorority (=type of club) go to a lot of parties in order to try to be accepted: rush week
adjectiveWord family SURPRISEDhaving a feeling of surprise: He looked surprised to see Cassie standing by the front door.looksurprisestandsurprised at/byWe were greatly surprised at the news.besurprisesurprised (that)She was surprised that no one was there to greet her.besurprisebesurprised to see/hear/learn etcI bet she’ll be really surprised to see me.surpriseHe had a surprised look on his face.havesurpriseDon’t be surprised if the interviewer is rather direct.surprisebeI wouldn’t be surprised if she married that fellow.surprisemarryCOLLOCATIONSadverbsvery/really surprised I would be very surprised if that was the case.willsurprisebequite surprised I was quite surprised at his reaction.besurprisea little/somewhat/slightly surprised He was a little surprised by her request.besurprisemildly surprised (=slightly surprised) He looked mildly surprised by the question.looksurprisepleasantly surprised (=when someone has a pleasant surprise) You will probably be pleasantly surprised at the amount of food you are allowed to eat on this diet.surprisebeallowgenuinely surprised ‘Me?’ Theodora seemed genuinely surprised.seemsurpriseTHESAURUSsurprised having the feeling you get when something happens that you did not expect: I was surprised to see her again so soon.besurprise | I’m really surprised that he remembered my birthday.surpriseremember | Nobody was surprised when they split up.besurprise | a surprised expressionsurpriseamazed [not before noun] extremely surprised, especially by something good or by something that seems hard to believe: I’m amazed that he survived.amazesurvive | You’ll be amazed when you see the difference.amazeastonished extremely surprised: He was astonished by how much she had changed.beastonishhavechange | an astonished lookastonishastounded extremely surprised or shocked. Astounded sounds a little more formal and a little stronger than astonished: She was astounded by how much it cost.beastoundstaggered/flabbergasted/dumbfounded [not before noun] extremely surprised or shocked: ‘What?’ I said, utterly staggered by his answer.saystagger | She just sat there looking flabbergasted.sitlookstunned so surprised that you do not know what to do or say: I was too stunned to protest.bestun | Everyone seemed stunned by his outburst.seemstun | They listened in stunned silence.listenstunspeechless so surprised that you cannot speak: I was speechless when I heard that I’d won.behearwintaken aback [not before noun] surprised by what someone says or does, so that you are not sure how to react: I was a little taken aback by her question.betake | Sharpe was somewhat taken aback by the girl 's directness.betakenonplussed /nɒnˈplʌst $ nɑːn-/ formal surprised and a little confused: She was nonplussed by such an odd question.begobsmacked [not before noun] British English informal extremely surprised – a very informal use: I was absolutely gobsmacked when they told me I had passed.betellhavepass
verb (past tense and past participle accompanied, present participle accompanying, third person singular accompanies) [transitive]Date: 1400-1500Language: Old French
Origin: acompaignier, from compaing ‘companion’, from Late Latin companio; → COMPANION Verb form1WITHto go somewhere with someone:
Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.childaccompanyWherever her husband went, she would accompany him.gowillRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say go with or come with someone rather than accompany someone:Do you want me to go with you to the station?She came with me to church.come2to play a musical instrument while someone sings a song or plays the main tune: Daniel wanted Liz to accompany him on violin.want3[usually passive]WITH to happen or exist at the same time as something else: The disease is accompanied by sneezing and fever.beaccompanysneeze4INSTRUCTIONSif a book, document etc accompanies something, it comes with it: Please see accompanying booklet for instructions.accompanyinstructionYour passport application form should be accompanied by two recent photographs.shallaccompanyphotograph
noun
1against change [singular, uncountable]FIGHT FOR OR AGAINST STH a refusal to accept new ideas or changesresistance topeople’s resistance to changeresistance fromThe no-smoking policy was introduced with little resistance from staff.smokebeintroduce2fighting [singular, uncountable] fighting against someone who is attacking youput up/offer resistanceRebel gunmen have put up strong resistance.gunman3against infection/illness [singular, uncountable] the natural ability of a person, animal, or plant to stop diseases or difficult conditions from harming themresistance tothe body’s resistance to infectiondisease resistance4wind/air/water resistance the way in which wind, air, or water can cause a moving object such as a car, plane, or boat to slow down5electricity [uncountable] the ability of a substance to stop the flow of an electric current through it6the resistance (also the Resistance) an organization that secretly fights against an enemy that controls their country7the line/path of least resistanceEASY if you follow the path of least resistance, you avoid making difficult decisions and choose the easiest solution to a problem – often used to show disapproval: Many people don’t make changes because they’re following the path of least resistance.changefollowlittleKirk always just takes the line of least resistance.takelittle → passive resistanceCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2adjectives strong resistance He prepared for strong resistance to the changes.preparechangestiff resistance (=strong resistance) The city government is facing some stiff resistance.befaceconsiderable resistance (=fairly strong resistance) The proposals met with considerable resistance from our American colleagues.proposalmeetcolleaguefierce resistance Endeavours to change their religion had provoked fierce resistance.endeavourhaveprovokestubborn resistance The stubborn resistance of the people remains an inspiring example.remaininspireheroic resistance The threat of invasion drew the Greek cities together in heroic resistance to the Persians.drawcitytoken resistance (=not great or sincere) He put up only a token resistance.passive resistance (=a way of protesting against something or opposing a government without using violence) Suffragettes resorted to passive resistance as the only weapon at their disposal.suffragetteresortverbsput up resistance (=resist someone or something) If the rest of us are agreed, I don’t think he’ll put up much resistance.beagreeoffer resistance The demonstrators offered no resistance.demonstratoroffermeet (with) resistance (also encounter resistance formal) (=be resisted) Attempts to modify the curriculum have met with strong resistance in many colleges.attemptmeetcollege | The troops advanced swiftly, encountering only minor resistance.troopadvanceencounterovercome resistance (=fight and win against it) How can he overcome resistance to the idea in Congress?crush resistance (=end it by force) He added that any resistance would be crushed.addwillcrushresistance + NOUNthe resistance movement (=all the people who work together to resist military forces controlling their country) Members of the resistance movement were arrested and shot.memberbearrestshoota resistance group The resistance groups are well armed.groupbearma resistance fighter Resistance fighters had captured a German officer.fighterhavecapture
nounWord family1[countable] an official rule or order: There seem to be so many rules and regulations these days.ruleregulationdayregulation onnew regulations on importsregulationimportregulations governing the safety of toysregulationgoverntoybuilding/planning/fire/health regulationsThe local authority is introducing new planning regulations.beintroduceplanregulationAll companies must comply with the regulations.companyregulationunder ... regulationsUnder the new regulations, all staff must have safety training.regulationtrain2[uncountable]RULE/REGULATION control over something, especially by rulesregulation ofthe regulation of public spendingspendCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + regulationsstrict/stringent/tough The regulations surrounding the handling of nuclear waste are very strict.regulationsurroundhandlebesafety regulations Every railway has complex safety regulations.haveregulationgovernment/federal regulations Small businessman are fed up with government regulations.befeedregulationbuilding regulations (=relating to the structure of buildings) The Building Regulations no longer specify minimum ceiling heights.buildregulationlongheightenvironmental regulations The Bill stipulated some of the toughest environmental regulations yet seen in the industrial world.stipulatetoughregulationseeplanning regulations (=relating to what buildings can be built in an area) The house must be demolished because it does not conform to planning regulations.demolishdoplanregulationhygiene regulations (=relating to keeping restaurants, hotel kitchens etc clean) Hygiene regulations stipulate that the caterer must use suitable equipment.regulationstatutory regulations (=that are fixed or controlled by law) All government bodies are bound by statutory regulations on, for instance, race and sex discrimination.bodybebindregulationverbscomply with/meet/conform to regulations Hotel kitchens must comply with these regulations.kitchenregulationbreak regulations The penalties for breaking the regulations were severe.penaltybreakregulationbemake regulations The Secretary of State can make safety regulations governing the making of goods.regulationgovernmakegoodtighten regulations (=make them stricter) The President is expected to announce new efforts to tighten gun-control regulations.beexpecteffortregulationrelax regulations (=make them less strict) He has voted in favor of relaxing environmental regulations.havevoterelaxregulationregulations apply to something The regulations also apply to new buildings.regulationbuildingregulations govern something (=apply to something) There are regulations governing the safety of toys.beregulationgoverntoyregulations stipulate something (=state what must be done) The hospital regulations stipulate minimum staffing levels.regulationstafflevelphrasesrules and regulations We must reduce the number of rules and regulations.numbruleregulationTHESAURUSrule an instruction that says what people are allowed to do or not allowed to do, for example in a game, school, or company: the rules of baseballrule | He disobeyed the school rules.disobeyrulelaw an official rule that everyone in a country, city, or state must obey: It is against the law to carry a concealed weapon.beconceal | The law requires motorcyclists to wear helmets.requirehelmetregulation an official rule or order, which is part of a set of rules made by a government or organization: the regulations for applying for a passportregulationapply | building regulationsbuildregulation | environmental regulations on air pollutionregulationrestriction an official rule that limits what people can do: new restrictions on immigrationrestriction | The government is planning to impose regulations on the amount of alcohol you can bring into the country.beplanregulationguidelines rules or instructions about the best way to do something: the Department of Health’s guidelines for a healthy dietguideline | guidelines for classroom teachersguidelineteachercode a set of rules that people or organizations agree to obey but are not forced to obey: The school has a dress code for its students.havestudent | the company’s code of conductstatute formal a law that has been officially approved by a parliament, council etc, and written down: The statute banned corporal punishment.banordinance American English a law, made by a city or town, that forbids or restricts an activity: A local ordinance limited speed in the parks to ten miles an hour.limitparkmil
regulationadjectiveCollocations from other entriesOther dictionary examplesregulationregulationregulation2 adjective [only before noun] RULE/REGULATIONused or worn because of official rules: The girls were all wearing regulation shoes.girlbewearshoe
nounSense 1-3:Date: 1200-1300
Language: Old North French
Origin: Medieval Latin capulum ‘circle of rope for catching animals’, from Latin capere ‘to take’Sense 4:
Date: 1800-1900
Origin: cablegram 1[countable] a plastic or rubber tube containing wires that carry telephone messages, electronic signals, television pictures etc:
cables and switches for computerscableswitchcomputeroverhead/underground/undersea cableoverhead power cablescable2[uncountable and countable] a thick strong metal rope used on ships, to support bridges etc3[uncountable] a system of broadcasting television by using cables, paid for by the person watching iton cableI’ll wait for the movie to come out on cable.cable network/channel/programme4[countable] a telegramCOLLOCATIONStypes of cablean electric/electricity cable Be careful you don't cut through an electric cable.a power cable (=an electric cable) a power cable carrying 11,000 voltscarryvolta telephone cable Telephone cables were damaged in the storm.cablebedamagean overhead cable (=attached to high posts) Overhead cables can be dangerous for birds.cablebirdan underground/undersea cable The electricity will be transmitted by undersea cables.transmitcableverbslay/run a cable (=put one in position somewhere) In the 1860s the first cables were laid under the oceans.cablebelayoceana cable connects something to something How many miles of cables connect North America to Europe?milcable
cableverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplescablecablescabledcablingcablecable2 verb [intransitive and transitive]Verb form to send someone a telegramcable somebody somethingI cabled Mary the good news.cable
noun1[uncountable and countable] a light strong material that is produced by a chemical process, and which can be made into different shapes when it is soft: children’s toys made of plasticchildtoymakethe plastics industryplastic2[uncountable] informalMONEY small plastic cards that are used to pay for things instead of money SYN credit cards: ‘I haven’t got any cash.’ ‘Don’t worry, I’ll stick it on the plastic (=pay for it using a credit card).’getDo they take plastic? (=can you pay using a credit card?)
plasticadjectiveCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplesplasticplasticplastic2 adjectiveDate: 1500-1600Language: Latin
Origin: plasticus ‘of shaping’, from Greek plastikos, from plassein ‘to shape, form, plaster’ 1made of plastic:
a plastic spoonplastic bagsbag2technical a plastic substance can be formed into many different shapes and keeps the shape it is formed into until someone changes it3ARTIFICIALsomething that is plastic looks or tastes artificial or not natural: plastic foodI hate that plastic smile of hers.
adjective [only before noun]Date: 1300-1400Language: French
Origin: Latin primus ‘first’ 1MAINmost important SYN main:
Smoking is the prime cause of lung disease.smokebeOur prime concern is providing jobs for all young school leavers.beprovidejobHe was named as the prime suspect in the murder investigation.benameGood management is of prime importance in business.be2BESTof the very best quality or kind: prime rib of beefprime agricultural landThe hotel is in a prime location overlooking the valley.beoverlook3be a prime candidate/target (for something)MAIN to be the person or thing that is most suitable or most likely to be chosen for a particular purpose: The school is a prime candidate for closure.beOld people are a prime target for thieves.bethieve4prime exampleTYPICAL a very typical example of something: Blakey Hall is a prime example of a 19th-century building.bebuildTHESAURUSmain larger or more important than all the others: the main entrance of the buildingbuild | the main reason for his decisionchief/principal most important. Chief and principal are more formal than main, and are often used in written English: Coffee is the country’s principal export.be | What is the company’s chief objective?bemajor very important or serious: Smoking is a major cause of heart disease.smokebe | Street crime is becoming a major problem.bebecomekey most important, or the one that everything or everyone else depends on: Education is likely to be a key issue in the election campaign.be | Hooper was a key member of the team.be | Diet is key.benumber one especially spoken most important or best - this phrase sounds a little informal and it is used especially in spoken English: Reliability is the number one priority.benumb | the number one cause of deathnumb | He is still in the number one position.benumbprimary most important - used especially about the most important aim, role, cause, or concern. Primary is more formal than main: The primary aim of the project was to help students develop their communication skills.bestudentskill | Security is our primary concern.be | The primary function of the university was considered to be the teaching of ‘the great cultural disciplines’.beconsiderteachdisciplineprime very important or most important - used especially about the most important reason, cause, or aim, or about the most likely target or suspect. Prime is more formal than main: Their prime objective is to increase profits for their shareholders.beprofitshareholder | Tourists are prime targets for theft and robbery.touristbetargetcore most important - used especially about the things that people should pay most attention to: the core skills of reading and writingskillreadwrite | He wants the company to focus on its core business - advertising.wantadvertise | The party’s core values are individual freedom and reducing the amount of government bureaucracy.valuebereducecentral most important and having more influence than anything else: The U.S. played a central role in the peace negotiations.playnegotiation | a central theme of the book | The central question is, why are people still so attached to their cars?bebeattachcarpredominant most common, typical, or important: Yellow was the predominant colour everywhere.be | High arched windows are a predominant feature in English churches.archwindowbechurch | New York still has a predominant role in the contemporary art world.have
primenounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesActivator 1Phrases from other entriesCorpus examplesprimeprimesprimeprime2 noun [singular] BESTDIEthe time in your life when you are strongest and most activein your primeShe’s now 40 and still in her prime.He is now past his prime.bea man in the prime of lifea young singer who was tragically cut off in her prime (=died while she was in her prime)be
primeverbCollocations from other entriesWord sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesprimeprimesprimedprimingprimeprime3 verb [transitive]
Verb form1prepare somebodyPREPARE to prepare someone for a situation so that they know what to doprime somebody with somethingDid you prime her with what to say?doprime somebody for somethingHe had a shower and primed himself for action.haveprimeprime somebody to do somethingHe had been primed to say nothing about it.havebeprime2a gun to prepare a gun or bomb so that it can fire or explode3paintPREPARE to put a special layer of paint on a surface, in order to prepare it for the next layer: All metal surfaces will have to be primed.surfaceprime4prime the pump informalSUPPORT A PERSON, GROUP, OR PLAN to encourage a business, industry, or activity to develop by putting money or effort into it5water to pour water into a water pump in order to make it ready to work
adverbWord family THINK SO/NOT BE SUREused to say that you think something is probably true: It’s raining, which presumably means that your football match will be cancelled.rainmeancancel[sentence adverb]He’s dead now, presumably?
noun
Date: 1200-1300Language: Latin
Origin: tonus ‘tension, tone’, from Greek tonos 1voice [countable]EXPRESS the way your voice sounds, which shows how you are feeling or what you meanin a ... tone
‘You must be Annie,’ he said in a friendly tone.sayin sb’s toneThere was urgency in his tone.beHer tone was sharp with anger.beIt was obvious from her tone of voice that she didn’t like me.bedon’t take that tone with me (=do not speak to me in that rude or unpleasant way)2sound [uncountable and countable]SOUND the quality of a sound, especially the sound of a musical instrument or someone’s voice → pitch, timbre: the guitar’s clean tonein ... tonesThey talked in hushed tones.talkhushtone‘No I didn’t,’ he said in a low tone (=quietly).saydeep-toned/even-toned/shrill-toned etc (=having a low, calm etc tone)an even-toned voicetone3general feeling/attitude [singular, uncountable]ATTITUDE the general feeling or attitude expressed in a piece of writing, a speech, an activity etctone ofThe tone of the report was radical.beThe meetings were noted for their deeply religious tone.meetingbenotein toneThe article was moderate in tone.beset the tone (for/of something) (=establish the general attitude or feeling of an event, activity etc)Opening remarks are important since they set the tone for the rest of the interview.openremarkbe4colour [uncountable and countable] one of the many types of a particular colour, each slightly darker, lighter, brighter etc than the next SYN shade → tonaltone ofdifferent tones of greentonePerhaps a darker tone would be better.darkwillwellyour skin tone (=the colour of your skin)in toneThe dried colour is slightly deeper in tone than it appears when first applied.drybedeepappearapply → two-tone5electronic sound [countable]SOUND a sound made by electronic equipment, such as a telephone: Please leave a message after the tone.dial tone American English dialling tone British English (=the sound you hear when you pick up the telephone that lets you know that you can make a call)busy tone American English engaged tone British English (=the sound you hear when you telephone someone but they are already talking to someone else)6raise/lower the tone (of something)RIGHT/PROPER to make a place or event more or less socially acceptable, attractive etc: That horrible building lowers the whole tone of the neighborhood.buildlowerTrust you to lower the tone of the conversation (=by making rude remarks etc).low7body [uncountable] technicalHEALTHY how firm and strong your muscles or skin are: A regular brisk walk will improve muscle tone.8music [countable] technical the difference in pitch between two musical notes that are separated by one key on the piano SYN step American English9voice level [countable] technical how high or low your voice is when you produce different sounds: There is a falling tone on the first syllable and a rising tone on the other.befallriseCOLLOCATIONSMeanings 1 & 2adjectivesconversational (=informal and friendly) I tried to keep my tone pleasant and conversational.tryconciliatory (=showing that you do not want to be involved in an argument with someone) She used a more conciliatory tone.usematter-of-fact (=showing no emotion when what you are saying is exciting, frightening, upsetting, etc ) His tone was matter-of-fact, but she noticed he was shaking.benoticebeshakemeasured (=very carefully controlled) He spoke slowly, in a calm and measured tone.speakmeasureclipped tones (=quick and clear, but not very friendly) Davis’s secretary informed him in clipped tones: ‘Mr Davis is not here.’informcliptonebelow/quiet/hushed tones They sat at the far end of the carriage, talking in hushed tones.sittalkhushtonesb’s dulcet tones (=a very sweet and gentle voice – often used humorously to mean the opposite) I could hear Martha’s dulcet tones bellowing that dinner was ready.cantonebellowbephrasesa tone of voice Try talking to the child in a firm but soothing tone of voice.talksootheTHESAURUScolour red, blue, yellow etc: Blue is my favourite colour.be | Matisse was famous for his use of colour.beshade a particular type of a colour: The dress is a light shade of pink.be | He uses different shades of green.useshadehue /hjuː/ literary or technical a particular colour or shade of a colour: Her face had lost its golden hue.havelosetint a small amount of a colour in something that is mostly another colour: He wears sunglasses that have a pinky-orange tint.weartone one of the many different shades of a colour, each slightly darker, lighter, brighter etc than the next: Carpets in neutral tones give a feeling of space.carpettonefeel
toneverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Word sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplestonetonestonedtoningtonetone2 (also tone uptone upstone uppedtone uppingtone up) verb [transitive]Verb form to improve the strength and firmness of your muscles, skin etc: Exercise can strengthen and tone muscles.muscleHe began to use weights in order to tone up his body.beginweighta well-toned bodytonetone something ↔ down phrasal verb1REDUCEto reduce the effect of something such as a speech or piece of writing, so that people will not be offended: His advisers told him to tone down his speech.advisertell2to make a colour less bright: Blue can be used to tone down very sunny rooms.useroomtone in phrasal verb British English if one colour or pattern tones in with another, they are similar and look good together SYN complementtone in withChoose candles that will tone in with your tablecloth and china.candle
nounWord family1[uncountable and countable]JOB/TASK a piece of work that is given to someone as part of their jobon an assignmentShe’s gone to Italy on a special assignment.goon assignmentHe was killed while on assignment abroad.bekill2[countable] a piece of work that a student is asked to do: a history assignment3[uncountable]JOB/TASK when people are given particular jobs to do4[countable] something such as a place to sit, piece of equipment etc that you are given to use for a particular purpose: an aeroplane seat assignment
verbWord familyDate: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: recovrer, from Latin recuperare; → RECUPERATE Verb form1[intransitive] to get better after an illness, accident, shock etc:
After a few days of fever, she began to recover.daybeginrecover fromHe’s in hospital, recovering from a heart attack.recoverRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say someone gets better rather than recovers, especially when talking about less serious illnesses, injuries, or operations.Don’t worry. You’ll soon get better.well2[intransitive] to return to a normal condition after a period of trouble or difficulty: The tourist industry is recovering to pre-war levels.berecoverlevelrecover fromYesterday morning shares seemed to recover from Monday’s collapse.shareseem3[transitive]GET to get back something that was taken from you, lost, or almost destroyed: Four paintings stolen from the gallery have been recovered.paintingstealberecoverrecover something from somethingTwo bodies were recovered from the wreckage.bodyberecover4[transitive]GET to get back an amount of money that you have spent or lost SYN recoup: He was entitled to recover damages from the defendants.beentitledamagedefendant5[transitive]RECOVER/GET BETTER to get back an ability, a sense, or control over your feelings, movements etc after a period without it SYN regain: It was some hours before she recovered consciousness.behourrecoverOnce she stumbled, but somehow she recovered her balance and carried on running.stumblerecovercarryrunrecover yourselfHe recovered himself enough to speak calmly.recover—recoverablerecoverable adjectiveTHESAURUSrecover to become healthy again after you have been seriously ill or injured, or had a bad experience: My mother’s been very ill, and she’s still in hospital recovering.berecover | She needed time to recover from the shock.needget better to recover from an injury or illness. In everyday English, people usually say get better rather than recover: I hope you get better soon.well | My back’s been quite bad recently, but it’s getting better slowly.begetwellget over something to recover from a bad experience, or a minor illness. In everyday English, people usually say get over rather than recover: She never got over his death.get | I’m getting over my cold.getget well to recover from an illness or operation – used especially when you are writing to encourage someone to recover: Get well soon – we all miss you! | I hope you get well quickly.be back on your feet to have recovered and be able to live life as usual again: It may take a week or two until you’re back on your feet.foot | It’s great to see you back on your feet!footbe on the mend to be showing definite signs of recovering after an illness or injury: I’m glad to see you’re on the mend again. | Kathy’s been quite ill with flu, but she seems to be on the mend now.beseemrecuperate formal to spend time resting and getting your health or energy back, after you have had an illness or had a difficult or tiring experience: It had been a hard year, and I needed a few weeks in the sun in order to recuperate.havebeneedweek | He is recuperating from a heart attack.berecuperateconvalesce /ˌkɒnvəˈles $ ˌkɑːn-/ formal to spend a long period of time recovering from a serious illness, especially by resting in a comfortable or warm place: She was at home convalescing after major surgery.beconvalesce
noun (plural treasuries)1the Treasury (Department) a government department that controls the money that the country collects and spends2[countable] a place in a castle, church, palace etc where money or valuable objects are kept
noun [uncountable and countable] formalCHANGE FROM ONE THING TO ANOTHER when something changes from one form or state to anothertransition from something to somethingthe smooth transition from full-time work to full retirementMaking the transition from youth to adulthood can be very painful.makea society that is in transition (=changing)bethe period of transition to full democracyCOLLOCATIONSadjectivessmooth (=happening without any problems) There were some difficulties in achieving a smooth transition to independence.bedifficultyachievepeaceful We all wish to see a peaceful transition.gradual Elections will be held in the course of a gradual transition from military to civilian rule.electionholddifficult/painful She has had to make the difficult transition from child actor to adult star.havehaveverbsmake the transition The biggest problem will be making the transition from one system to the other.bigmaketransition + NOUNa transition period/a period of transition The major industrial nations are in a period of transition.nationbea transition process/a process of transition He will deal with any problems that might arise during the transition process.problem
transitionverbCollocations from other entriestransitiontransitiontransition2 verb [intransitive]Verb form to change to a new state or start using something newtransition to/intoHe will transition to his new role next month.
adjectiveDate: 1400-1500Language: Latin
Origin: present participle of prominere ‘to stick out’ 1IMPORTANTimportant:
a prominent Russian scientistplay a prominent part/role (in something)Mandela played a prominent role in the early years of the ANC.playyearThe World Cup will have a prominent place on the agenda.2something that is in a prominent place is easily seenprominent place/positionThe statue was in a prominent position outside the railway station.be3STICK OUTsomething that is prominent is large and sticks out: a prominent nose—prominentlyprominently adverb: Her photo was prominently displayed on his desk.bedisplay
noun (plural therapies)Date: 1800-1900Language: Modern Latin
Origin: therapia, from Greek therapeia, from therapeuein ‘to attend, treat’ 1[uncountable and countable] the treatment of an illness or injury over a fairly long period of time:
new drug therapiestherapyradiation therapy for cancer treatment2[uncountable] the treatment or examination of someone’s mental problems by talking to them for a long time about their feelings SYN psychotherapyin therapyRob was in therapy for several years.beyeara therapy group → chemotherapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, hormone replacement therapy
adjectiveWord family1TIREDfeeling that you want to sleep or restso tired (that)I’m so tired I could sleep for a week.tirecantoo tired to do somethingHe was too tired to argue.betireHe looks tired out (=very tired).looktire‘No,’ Frank said in a tired voice.saytire2BORINGtired of (doing) something bored with something, because it is no longer interesting, or has become annoying: I’m tired of watching television; let’s go for a walk.tirewatchI was getting tired of all her negative remarks.begettireremark3BORINGfamiliar and boring OPP fresh: tired old speechestirespeech—tirednesstirednessestiredness noun [uncountable]—tiredlytiredly adverb → dog-tired, → be sick (and tired) of something at sick1(6)THESAURUStired feeling that you want to sleep or rest: I was really tired the next day.betire | the tired faces of the childrentirefacechildexhausted extremely tired: I was exhausted after the long trip home.beexhaust | He sat down, exhausted.sitexhaust | She immediately fell into an exhausted sleep.fallexhaustworn out [not before noun] very tired because you have been working hard: With three small children to care for, she was always worn out.childbewearweary /ˈwɪəri $ ˈwɪr-/ written tired because you have been travelling, worrying, or doing something for a long time: weary travellerstraveller | a weary sigh | He looks tired and weary after 20 years in office.looktireyearfatigued formal very tired: They were too fatigued to continue with the climb.befatigue | Because of her illness, she often became fatigued.becomefatiguedrained [not before noun] very tired and feeling as if all your energy has gone: Afterwards, he felt drained, both physically and mentally.feeldrainbushed/beat [not before noun] informal very tired: I’m bushed. I think I’ll go to bed early. | I’m beat. I don’t think I’ll go for a run tonight.knackered British English, pooped American English [not before noun] informal very tired. Knackered is a very informal use - do not use it in polite conversation: By the time I got home I was absolutely knackered.getbeknackershattered [not before noun] British English informal extremely tired: When I first started teaching, I came home shattered every night.startteachcomeshatterdead spoken extremely tired, so that you cannot do anything but sleep: I was absolutely dead by the time I got home.begetalmost asleepsleepy wanting to sleep very soon, so that your eyes start to close: I’m feeling quite sleepy. I think I’ll go to bed.feel | She rubbed her sleepy eyes.rubeyedrowsy starting to sleep because you are in a warm place, have drunk too much alcohol, or have taken medicine: The tablets can make you feel drowsy.tablet | She was beginning to feel a little drowsy after all the food and wine she had consumed.bebeginhaveconsumecan’t keep your eyes open/can hardly keep your eyes open to feel so tired that you find it difficult to stay awake: I’d better get some rest – I can’t keep my eyes open.welleye | He had been driving all night, and he could hardly keep his eyes open.havebedrivecaneye
noun [countable]
Date: 1200-1300Origin: Probably from an unrecorded Old English strac 1illness if someone has a stroke, an artery (=tube carrying blood) in their brain suddenly bursts or becomes blocked, so that they may die or be unable to use some muscles:
She died following a massive stroke.diefollowhave/suffer a strokeI looked after my father after he had a stroke.lookhavea stroke patient2swimming/rowing a)one of a set of movements in swimming or rowing in which you move your arms or the oar forward and then back: She swam with strong steady strokes.swimstroke b)a style of swimming or rowing: the breast stroke3sport the action of hitting the ball in games such as tennis, golf, and cricket: a backhand stroke4pen/brush a)WRITEa single movement of a pen or brush when you are writing or painting: A few strokes of her pen brought out his features clearly.strokebringfeature b)WRITELINEa line made by a pen or brush: the thick downward strokes of the charactersstrokecharacter5at a/one stroke with a single sudden action: At one stroke, the country lost two outstanding leaders.loseleader6on the stroke of seven/nine etcEXACTTIME/AT A PARTICULAR TIME at exactly seven o'clock etc: She arrived home on the stroke of midnight.arriveThe only goal of the match came on the stroke of half time.come7stroke of luck/fortuneLUCKY something lucky that happens to you unexpectedly: In a stroke of luck, a suitable organ donor became available.become8stroke of genius/inspiration etcIDEA a very good idea about what to do to solve a problem: It was a stroke of genius to film the movie in Toronto.be9hitHIT an action of hitting someone with something such as a whip or thin stick: He cried out at each stroke of the whip.cry10a movement of your handTOUCH a gentle movement of your hand over something: I gave her hair a gentle stroke.give11with/at a stroke of the penSIGN YOUR NAME if someone in authority does something with a stroke of the pen, they sign an official document to make a decision with important and serious results: He had the power to order troops home with a stroke of his pen.havetroop12not do a stroke (of work) British English informalWORK HARD# to not do any work at all13stroke of lightning a bright flash of lightning, especially one that hits something14clock/bellTIME/WHAT TIME IS IT a single sound made by a clock giving the hours, or by a bell, gong etc15put somebody off their stroke British English informalATTENTION to make someone stop giving all their attention to what they are doing: Seeing Frank watching me put me off my stroke.seewatch16in numbers British English used when you are saying a number written with the mark (/) in it SYN slash: The serial number is seventeen stroke one (=17/1).numbbeCOLLOCATIONSverbshave/suffer a stroke My father had a stroke.havea stroke leaves somebody paralysed (=someone can no longer move as the result of a stroke) Two years later she had a stroke which left her paralysed.yearlatehaveleaveparalyseadjectivesa massive/major stroke (=one that has very bad effects) Her brother has just died of a massive stroke.havediea minor/mild stroke (=one that does not have very bad effects) She had a minor stroke five years ago.haveyeara fatal stroke (=one that kills someone) He suffered a fatal stroke in April.sufferstroke + NOUNa stroke patient/victim Some stroke victims recover fully.victim
strokeverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesstrokestrokesstrokedstrokingstrokestroke2 verb [transitive]Sense 1-2,4:Language: Old English
Origin: stracianSense 3:
Date: 1900-2000
Origin: → STROKE1 Verb form
1TOUCHto move your hand gently over something: He reached out and stroked her cheek tenderly.reachstroke2[always + adverb/preposition]MOVE STH OR SB to move something somewhere with gentle movements of your hand: He lifted her face and stroked her hair from her eyes.liftstrokeeye3[always + adverb/preposition] to hit or kick a ball with a smooth movement in games such as tennis, golf, and cricket: He stroked the ball into an empty net, with a minute to go.stroke4stroke sb’s ego to say nice things to someone to make them feel good, especially because you want something from themTHESAURUStouch somebody gently or lovinglystroke to move your hand gently over something, especially in a loving way: She stroked the child’s hair.stroke | Our cat won’t let people stroke him.winpat to touch an animal or child lightly several times, with your hand flat: He knelt down to pat the dog.kneel | She patted the little boy’s head.patpet to touch and move your hand gently over someone, especially an animal or child: The goats, pigs, sheep, and cows here allow you to pet them.goatpigcowcaress /kəˈres/ to gently touch a part of someone’s body in a loving way: a mother caressing her childcaress | She caressed his cheek.caressfondle to touch a part of someone’s body in a loving or sexual way – use this especially about touching someone in a sexual way that is not wanted: He tried to fondle her and she immediately pulled away from him.trypull
adverbWord family BASICused when stating the most basic facts about something SYN basically: Ballet is essentially a middle-class interest.beSuicide rates have remained essentially unchanged.rateremain[sentence adverb]Essentially, we are talking about the cold war period.betalk
noun [countable] the abbreviation of Home Information Pack
hipnounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2 3Phrases from other entriesCorpus exampleshiphipshiphip1 /hɪp/
noun [countable]Sense 1:Language: Old English
Origin: hypeSense 2:
Language: Old English
Origin: heope 1one of the two parts on each side of your body between the top of your leg and your waist:
She stood there with her hands on her hips glaring at him.standhandhipglareThe old lady had fallen and broken her hip.havefallbreak2the red fruit of some kinds of roses SYN rose hip
hipadjectiveCollocations from other entriesActivator 1Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus exampleshiphipperhippesthiphip2 adjective informalDate: 1900-2000Origin: Origin unknown 1FASHIONABLEdoing things or done according to the latest fashion SYN cool:
McMillan’s novel gets my vote for hippest book of the year.gethip2be/get hip to something to learn about a new product, idea etc: More and more people are getting hip to e-banking.begetbank
hipinterjectionCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entrieshiphiphip3 interjectionDate: 1700-1800Origin: Origin unknown hip, hip, hooray!APPROVESHOUT used as a shout of approval
verb
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: streccan Verb form1make something bigger/looser a)[intransitive and transitive]LOOSEBIG to make something bigger or looser by pulling it, or to become bigger or looser as a result of being pulled:
A spider’s web can stretch considerably without weakening.weakenWhere can I buy those things that stretch your shoes?thingshoe b)[intransitive not in progressive]BIGLONG if a material stretches, it can become bigger or longer when you pull it and then return to its original shape when you stop2body [intransitive and transitive] to straighten your arms, legs, or body to full length: Carl sat up in bed, yawned, and stretched.sityawnstretchAlways stretch before exercising.exercise3reach [intransitive always +adverb/preposition] to reach a long way for somethingstretch across/overAnn stretched across the couch and grabbed the phone.stretchgrab4make something tight [transitive]TIGHT to pull something so that it is tight: The canvas is stretched over a wooden frame.bestretch5time/series [intransitive, transitive always + adverb/preposition]CONTINUE/NOT STOP to continue over a period of time or in a series, or to make something do thisstretch into/on/over etcBerg’s career as a government official stretched over 20 years.stretchyearWith a goal in the second half, Spurs stretched their lead to 3–0.spurstretch6in space [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]DISTANCE to spread out or cover a large area of landstretch to/into/away etcRow after row of orange trees stretched to the horizon.treestretcha line stretching around the blockstretch7stretch your legs informalWALK to go for a walk, especially after sitting for a long time8stretch (sb’s) patience/credulityBELIEVE#ACCEPT# to be almost beyond the limits of what someone can accept or believe: The kids stretch my patience to the limit.kid9rule/limit [transitive] British EnglishLET/ALLOW to allow something that would not normally be allowed by a rule or limit: This once, I’ll stretch the rules and let you leave work early.ruleWe’ll stretch a point (=allow a rule to be broken) and let the baby travel free this time. → stretch the rules at rule1(1)10stretch the truth/factsEXAGGERATE to say or write something that is not completely true: Reporters sometimes stretch the facts to make a point.reporterfact11be stretching it informal to make something seem more important, bigger etc than it really is: He’s a good player, but ‘world class’ is stretching it.bestretch12food/money [intransitive and transitive] if you make an amount of money, food etc stretch or it stretches, you use less of it than you usually would so that you have it for a longer time: I’m going to have to stretch this $20 until payday.go13be stretched (to the limit)ENOUGH# to have hardly enough money, supplies, time etc for your needs: We’re stretched at the moment, otherwise we’d go.stretch14not stretch to something British EnglishENOUGH# if someone’s money will not stretch to something, they cannot afford it: The budget won’t stretch to a new car this year.win15abilities [transitive]EASY to make someone use all of their skill, abilities, or intelligence: The work’s too easy. The students aren’t being stretched enough.studentbestretchstretch out phrasal verb1informalLIE DOWN to lie down, usually in order to sleep or rest: I’m just going to stretch out on the couch for ten minutes.gominute2stretch something ↔ outREACH to put out your hand, foot etc in order to reach something: Jimmy stretched out his hand to take the candy.stretchTHESAURUSexercise to walk, do sports etc in order to stay healthy and become stronger: To lose weight, exercise regularly and eat less.littledo some exercise/a lot of exercise etc this phrase is much more common than the verb exercise, and means the same thing: Her doctor said that she needed to do more exercise.sayneed | My son does very little exercise – I don’t know how he stays so slim.dostay | Dogs need lots of exercise.doglotstay/keep/get in shape to stay or to become physically healthy and strong – used especially when you consider exercise as a way to keep a nice-looking body: Try jogging with a friend who also wants to get in shape.jogwantkeep fit British English to exercise regularly in order to stay healthy and strong: The class encourages older people to keep fit.encourageoldwork out to do exercise in order to be healthy and strong, especially to exercise regularly in a gym or exercise class: He works out three times a week.worktimetone up (also firm up) to exercise in order to make your body or part of your body firmer: I need to tone up my stomach and legs.legwarm up to do gentle exercises to prepare your body for more active exercise: It’s important to warm up before you begin to play.stretch to reach your arms, legs, or body out to full length, in order to make your muscles as long as possible, so that you do not injure them when you exercise: Jog for five minutes, then stretch before starting on your run.minutestartlimber up (also loosen up) to do gentle exercises so that your muscles are warm and not tight before you begin a more active exercise: The footballers were limbering up before a training session.footballerbelimbertraintrain especially British English to prepare for a sporting event by exercising in a particular way: She’s training to do the London Marathon.trainpractise British English, practice American English to do a sports activity regularly, in order to get better and prepare for competition: The team practices on Wednesdays and Saturdays.practice
stretchnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2 3 4Word sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesstretchstretchesstretchstretch2 noun
1length of land/water [countable]AREA an area of land or water, especially one that is long and narrowstretch ofa beautiful stretch of countryside2time [countable]CONTINUOUS a continuous period of timestretch ofa stretch of three weeks without sunshineweekShe doesn’t leave the house for long stretches of time.stretchShe rarely sleeps for eight hours at a stretch (=without stopping).sleephour3body [countable] the action of stretching a part of your body out to its full length, or a particular way of doing this: The ski instructor showed us some special stretches.showstretch4by any stretch (of the imagination)IMPOSSIBLE spoken used to emphasize that a negative statement is true: My family wasn’t wealthy by any stretch of the imagination.5the home/final stretch a)the last part of a track before the end of a race b)the last part of an activity, trip, or process: As they enter the home stretch of the campaign, the president’s lead has grown.havegrow6material [uncountable]LONGBIG the ability a material has to increase in length or width without tearing → stretchy7at full stretch British English a)BUSY PLACEusing everything that is available: With staff shortages and appalling weather conditions, the emergency services were at full stretch.shortageappalconditionservicebe b)with your body or part of your body stretched as far as possible: He dived and caught the ball at full stretch.divecatch8jail [countable usually singular] informalPERIOD OF TIME a period of time spent in prison
stretchadjectiveCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplesstretchstretchstretch3 adjective [only before noun] stretch clothes or material stretch if you pull them, and then return to their original shape: stretch Levis
noun [countable]1SUM OF MONEYPAY FORa part of the cost of something you are buying that you pay some time before you pay the rest of itdeposit ofA deposit of 10% is required.berequireput down a deposit (on something) (=pay a deposit)We put down a deposit on a house.2RENTPAY FORmoney that you pay when you rent something such as an apartment or car, which will be given back if you do not damage itdeposit ofWe ask for one month’s rent in advance, plus a deposit of $500.rend3BANKMONEYan amount of money that is paid into a bank account OPP withdrawaldeposit intoI’d like to make a deposit (=pay some money) into my savings account.saving4SOIL/MINERALSa layer of a mineral, metal etc that is left in soil or rocks through a natural processdeposit ofrich deposits of gold in the hillsdeposithill5LAYERCOVERan amount or layer of a substance that gradually develops in a particular place: fatty deposits on the heartdeposit6ELECTIONan amount of money paid by a candidate in a political election in Britain, that is returned to them if they get enough voteslose your deposit (=not get enough votes)COLLOCATIONSMeaning 2verbspay a deposit Car hire firms may ask you to pay a deposit in advance.firmget your deposit back You'll get your deposit back when all the bills have been paid.billbepaylose your deposit (=not get it back) If there is any damage to the apartment, you may lose your deposit.begive somebody their deposit back When I left, the landlord refused to give me my deposit back.leaverefusereturn somebody's deposit formal (=give it back to them) Your deposit will be returned to you when you leave the flat.returnadjectivesrefundable/returnable (=that you get back later if there is no damage) We ask for a refundable deposit of 500 Euros.euroTHESAURUSpayment an amount of money that you pay for something, especially when it is only one part of the total amount you have to pay: They have a monthly car payment of £220.instalment British English, installment American English a regular payment you make to pay back money that you have borrowed or to pay for things that you have already received: I borrowed $2,000, which was to be paid back in monthly installments of $250.borrowbepayinstallmentdeposit (also down payment) part of the cost of something that you pay before you get it, so that it will not be sold to anyone else: They used the money they inherited as a down payment on a house.useinherit | The hotel asks for a $20 deposit to reserve a room.asksubscription an amount of money you pay, usually once a year, to receive copies of a newspaper or magazine: A subscription to the magazine is $52 a year.betip a small amount of money that you give someone, for example a waitress or taxi driver, in addition to paying for a service they have given you: I usually leave a 10% tip.premium the amount you pay for insurance each year: your monthly life insurance premiumspremium
depositverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesdepositdepositsdepositeddepositingdepositdeposit2 verbDate: 1500-1600Language: Latin
Origin: depositus, past participle of deponere; → DEPOSE Verb form1[transitive always + adverb/preposition] formalPUT to put something down in a particular place:
The female deposits her eggs directly into the water.depositegg2[transitive]PUT to leave a layer of a substance on the surface of something, especially gradually: As the river slows down, it deposits a layer of soil.slowdeposit3[transitive]PUT to put money or something valuable in a bank or other place where it will be safedeposit something in somethingYou are advised to deposit your valuables in the hotel safe.beadvisedeposit something with somebody/somethingThe dollars are then deposited with banks outside the USA.dollarbedepositbankRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say they put in or pay in money, rather than deposit money:I paid/put $100 into his account.payYou should put your valuables in the hotel safe.shall
adjective (comparative thicker, superlative thickest)
Word familyLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: thicce 1not thin THICK OBJECT OR MATERIALif something is thick, there is a large distance or a larger distance than usual between its two opposite surfaces or sides OPP thin:
a thick oak doora thick slice of homemade breadHe was wearing thick glasses.bewearglassshort thick fingersfingerthick wool socks (=socks that are heavy and warm)sockIf you want a thicker blanket, there are more here in the closet.thickbeThe meat is done when the thickest part turns from pink to white.bedothickturnthick withThe furniture was thick with dust (=there was thick dust on the furniture).be2measurement measuring a particular distance between two opposite sides or surfaces of something3 feet/1 cm/two inches etc thickThe walls are about two meters thick.wallbemeterHow thick should the glass in the tank be?shallThis layer of brain tissue is no thicker than 2 mm.bethick3trees/bushes etc growing very close together or having a lot of leaves SYN dense: birds hiding in the thick undergrowthbirdhidthick withThe walls were thick with ivy.wallbe4smoke/cloud etcTHICK OBJECT OR MATERIAL filling the air, and difficult to see through or breathe in SYN dense: thick fogthick withThe air was thick with cigarette smoke.be5liquidTHICK LIQUID almost solid, and therefore flowing very slowly, or not flowing at all: For a thicker gravy, add more flour.thickThe paint is too thick.be6hair/fur having a lot of hair or fur: She ran her fingers through her thick brown hair.runfinger7stupid British English informalSTUPID/NOT INTELLIGENT a thick person is stupid: He’s a nice guy, but he’s a bit thick.bite(as) thick as two short planks (=very stupid)8voice a)SPEAK A LANGUAGEif someone has a thick accent, the way they speak shows clearly which particular place or part of a country they come froma thick German/Yorkshire etc accentOlga speaks English with a thick Russian accent.speak b)LOW SOUND OR VOICEif someone’s voice is thick, it is not as clear or high as usual, for example because they are upset: Bill’s voice was thick and gruff.bethick withHer voice was thick with emotion.be9large amountLOT/LARGE NUMBER OR AMOUNT especially written containing a lot of people or things: The cod were so thick in the water that they caught thousands very quickly.becatchthick withThe roads were thick with holiday traffic.roadbe10be thick on the ground British English to be present or available in large amounts or numbers OPP thin on the ground: Cheap houses aren’t as thick on the ground as they used to be.housegrinduse11have a thick skinDON'T CARE to not care if people criticize you or do not like you → thick-skinned12friendly be (as) thick as thievesFRIENDLY if two people are as thick as thieves, they are very friendly with each other and seem to share a lot of secrets, making other people think they are hiding or planning something: Lately Nick and Lou have been as thick as thieves.bethieve13give somebody a thick ear/get a thick ear British English spokenHIT to hit someone or be hit on the head, as a punishment: Any more cheek from you and you’ll get a thick ear.14be thick with somebody old-fashionedFRIENDLY to be very friendly with someone15(it’s) a bit thick British English old-fashionedUNFAIR used to say something is a little unfair or annoying
thickadverbCollocations from other entriesActivator 1 2 3Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesthickthickthick2 adverb1THICK LIQUIDthickly. Many teachers think this is not correct English: peanut butter spread thick2thick and fastOFTENLOT/LARGE NUMBER OR AMOUNT arriving or happening very frequently, in large amounts or numbers: Entries have been coming in thick and fast.entrybecome → lay it on (a bit thick) at lay on(3)
thicknounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesthickthicksthickthick3 nounWord family1in the thick of somethingTAKE PART/BE INVOLVED involved in the busiest, most active, most dangerous etc part of a situation: Brown hopes to be back in the thick of the action as soon as possible.hope2through thick and thinPROBLEM in spite of any difficulties or problems: Then, families stuck together through thick and thin.familystick
noun [countable] literaryDate: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: queste, from Latin quaestus; → QUESTION1 1LOOK FORa long search for something that is difficult to findquest for
his long quest for truththe quest for human happinessWorld leaders are now united in their quest for peace.leaderbeunite2in quest of something trying to find or get something: They journeyed to the distant Molucca islands in quest of spices.journeyislandspice
adjectiveDate: 1400-1500Language: Latin
Origin: praegnans, from praegnas, from prae- ( → PRE-) + gnatus ‘born’
1BABY/HAVE A BABYif a woman or female animal is pregnant, she has an unborn baby growing inside her body → pregnancy: medical care for pregnant womenwomanI knew right away that I was pregnant.knowbeI thought I was too old to get pregnant.thinkbetwenty weeks/three months etc pregnantShe’s about five months pregnant.monthpregnant withMaria was pregnant with her second child.beI didn’t mean to get her pregnant (=make her pregnant).His wife was heavily pregnant (=almost ready to give birth).be2pregnant pause/silenceSHOW/BE A SIGN OF a pause or silence which is full of meaning or emotion: He stopped, and there was a pregnant pause.stopbe3pregnant with something formalLOT/LARGE NUMBER OR AMOUNT containing a lot of a quality: Every phrase in this poem is pregnant with meaning.bemeanCOLLOCATIONSverbsbecome pregnant Sally became pregnant, and gave birth to a baby son.becomegiveget pregnant informal (=become pregnant) She got pregnant when she was sixteen.getbeget somebody pregnant (=make a woman pregnant, usually without planning to) At least he didn't get you pregnant.littleadverbstwelve weeks pregnant/two months pregnant etc The doctor said that she was eight weeks pregnant.saybeweekheavily pregnant (=having almost reached the time when you will give birth) I saw at once that the woman was heavily pregnant.seebe
nounDate: 1600-1700Language: Latin
Origin: praemium ‘profit, reward’, from emere ‘to take, buy’ 1[countable] the cost of insurance, especially the amount that you pay each year:
insurance premiumspremium2[countable]PAY SB FOR WORK an additional amount of money, above a standard rate or amount: Consumers are prepared to pay a premium for organically grown vegetables.consumerbepreparegrowvegetableTop quality cigars are being sold at a premium.cigarbebesell3be at a premiumAVAILABLE if something is at a premium, people need it or want it, but there is little of it available or it is difficult to get: During the Olympic Games, accommodation will be at a premium.gamespace/time is at a premiumFoldaway furniture is the answer where space is at a premium.bebe4put/place a premium on somethingIMPORTANT to consider one quality or type of thing as being much more important than others: Modern economies place a premium on educated workers.economyeducateworker5[uncountable] especially American English good quality petrolTHESAURUSpayment an amount of money that you pay for something, especially when it is only one part of the total amount you have to pay: They have a monthly car payment of £220.instalment British English, installment American English a regular payment you make to pay back money that you have borrowed or to pay for things that you have already received: I borrowed $2,000, which was to be paid back in monthly installments of $250.borrowbepayinstallmentdeposit (also down payment) part of the cost of something that you pay before you get it, so that it will not be sold to anyone else: They used the money they inherited as a down payment on a house.useinherit | The hotel asks for a $20 deposit to reserve a room.asksubscription an amount of money you pay, usually once a year, to receive copies of a newspaper or magazine: A subscription to the magazine is $52 a year.betip a small amount of money that you give someone, for example a waitress or taxi driver, in addition to paying for a service they have given you: I usually leave a 10% tip.premium the amount you pay for insurance each year: your monthly life insurance premiumspremium
premiumadjectiveCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesPhrases from this entryOther dictionary examplespremiumpremiumpremium2 adjective1of very high quality: premium ice creamthe current consumer trend for premium productsproductpremium quality British potatoespotato2premium price/rate premium prices and rates are higher than usual ones: People are prepared to pay premium prices for quality products.bepreparepriceproductCalls are charged at the premium rate of 60p per minute.callbecharge
nounLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: screade 1[countable]CUTTEAR a small thin piece that is torn or cut roughly from somethingshred of
a shred of papertear/rip something to shredsThe clothes were ripped to shreds and covered in blood.clotheberipshredcover2tear/rip something to shreds to criticize something very severely: Within a year, other researchers had torn the theory to shreds.researcherhavetearshred3in shreds a)TEARtorn in many places: Uncle Earl was exhausted and his shirt hung in shreds.beexhausthangshred b)DESTROYcompletely ruined: His ambitious plan was in shreds.beshredIf Myra gossips about this, my reputation will be in shreds.gossipshred4shred of somethingLITTLE/NOT MUCH a very small amount of something: There’s not a shred of doubt (=no doubt at all) in my mind that we will win.He does not have a shred of evidence (=he has no evidence at all) to prove his claim.dothe last shred of hope
shredverbCollocations from other entriesThesaurus 1Activator 1 2Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesshredshredsshreddedshreddingshredshred2 verb (past tense and past participle shredded, present participle shredding) [transitive]Verb form1CUTTEARto cut or tear something into small thin pieces: Coleslaw is made with shredded cabbage.bemakeshred2DESTROYto put a document into a shredder: Carlson was collecting messages, reading them, then shredding them.becollectmessagereadshredTHESAURUStear to damage paper or cloth by pulling it too hard, or letting it touch something sharp: She unwrapped the present carefully, trying not to tear the paper.unwraptry | I tore a hole in my jacket, climbing over the fence.tearclimbrip to tear something quickly or violently: Beth excitedly ripped open the package.rip | Stop pulling my dress! You’ll rip it!pullsplit to tear your trousers or shirt when you put them on, because they are too tight for you: He bent down and split his trousers.bendtrouser | Oh no, now I’ve split my shirt.ladder British English if a woman ladders her tights or stockings, she tears them so that a long thin line appears in them: Damn! I’ve laddered my tights!laddersnag to catch a piece of clothing on something rough or sharp so that it tears slightly: I snagged my shirt on a nail.snagshred to deliberately destroy letters, documents etc by cutting them into thin pieces, often by using a special machine: In order to prevent fraud, it’s best to shred your bank statements.wellstatement | I went through all my papers shredding things I didn’t need.gopapershredthingfrayed torn a little along the edges – used about clothes, carpets etc that have been used a lot: He was wearing an old pair of frayed jeans.bewearfray | The rug was a little frayed around the edges.befrayedge | The jacket was a little frayed at the cuffs.befraycuff
noun [countable]
Language: Old EnglishOrigin: blæst 1air/wind a sudden strong movement of wind or airblast of
A blast of cold air swept through the hut.sweep2explosionEXPLODE an explosion, or the very strong movement of air that it causesin the blastThirty-six people died in the blast.diebomb/shotgun/nuclear etc blastA bomb blast completely destroyed the building.destroybuild3loud noise a sudden very loud noise, especially one made by a whistle or hornblast onThe station master gave a blast on his whistle and we were off.givebelong/short blasta long trumpet blast4(at) full blastLOT/VERY MUCH as powerfully or loudly as possible: I had the gas fire going full blast.havegoThe radio was on at full blast.be5fun a blast informalENJOY/LIKE DOING STH an enjoyable and exciting experience: The concert was a blast.beWe had a blast at the fair.have6emotion a sudden strong expression of a powerful emotionblast ofShe was totally unprepared for the blast of criticism she received.bereceive7a blast from the past informal something from the past that you remember, see, or hear again, and that reminds you of that time in your life: That’s a blast from the past. No one has called me that for years.havecallyear
blastverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1 2Word sets 1 2 3Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesblastblastsblastedblastingblastblast2 verb
Verb form1gun/bomb [transitive] to damage or destroy something, or to injure or kill someone, using a gun or a bombblast somebody with somethingShe blasted her husband with a shotgun because he was having an affair.blastbehaveThe first shot missed and blasted a hole in the far wall.shootmissblastThe plane was blasted out of the sky by a terrorist bomb.beblast2break something into pieces [intransitive and transitive]EXPLODE to break something into pieces using explosives, especially in order to build something such as a roadblast something through somethingA 1.5 km tunnel was blasted through the mountain.beblastblast something out of somethingThe road will have to be blasted out of solid rock.blastblast throughRailway workers had blasted through the mountains 90 years before.workerhaveblastmountainyear3loud noise (also blast out) [intransitive and transitive]LOUD/NOISY to produce a lot of loud noise, especially music: He was woken by the radio alarm clock blasting out rock music.bewakeblastblast fromDance music blasted from the stereo.blast4criticize [transitive]CRITICIZE to criticize someone or something very strongly – used especially in news reportsblast somebody for (doing) somethingUnion leaders blasted the government for failing to tackle the jobs crisis.leaderblastfailjob5kick/hit a ball [transitive] to hit or kick a ball very hard: With six minutes remaining, he blasted the ball through the Coleraine defences for his 19th goal of the season.minuteremainblastdefence6air/water [intransitive and transitive] if air or water is blasted somewhere, or if it blasts somewhere, it moves there with great force: The wind ripped through the trees and blasted a curtain of rain up the meadow.riptreeblastIcy winds and driving snow blasted through the pine trees.winddriveblasttree7sports [transitive] American English informal to beat another team very easily: The Seahawks were blasted 35–14 by the Broncos.beblastbroncoblast off phrasal verb if a spacecraft blasts off, it leaves the ground → blast-off
blastinterjectionCollocations from other entriesPhrases from other entriesblastblastblast3 (also ˌblast her/it etcblast her/it etc) interjection used when you are very annoyed about something: Oh blast! I’ve forgotten my key.forget
verbDate: 1200-1300Origin: Probably from the sound of something breaking when hit Verb form1RUNHURRY[intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to go or run somewhere very quickly:
Olive dashed into the room, grabbed her bag, and ran out again.dashgrabrun2dash sb’s hopesDISAPPOINTED to disappoint someone by telling them that what they want is not possible: Hopkins’ hopes were dashed when his appeal was denied.hopebedashbedeny3(I) must dash/(I) have to dashLEAVE A PLACE British English spoken used to tell someone that you must leave quickly: Anyway, I must dash – I said I’d meet Daniel at eight.say4[intransitive, transitive always + adverb/preposition] writtenTHROW to throw or push something violently against something, especially so that it breaksdash something against/on somethingThe ship was dashed against the rocks.bedashrockdash againstWaves were dashing against the sea wall.wavebedash5dash it (all)!ANNOY British English old-fashioned used to show that you are slightly annoyed or angry about somethingdash off phrasal verb1LEAVE A PLACEto leave somewhere very quickly: Harry dashed off before she had a chance to thank him.dashhave2dash something ↔ offWRITE to write or draw something very quickly: She dashed off a quick letter.dash
dashnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Word sets 1Phrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesdashdashesdashdash2 noun
1small amountLITTLE/NOT MUCH [singular] a)a small amount of a substance that is added to something elsedash ofAdd salt, pepper and a dash of vinegar. b)a small amount of a quality that is added to something elsedash ofAdd a dash of romance to your life with a trip to Paris.2RUNrun quickly [countable usually singular] an occasion when someone runs somewhere very quickly in order to get away from something or someone, or in order to reach themmake a dash for somethingHe made a dash for the door.makeThe prisoners made a dash for freedom.prisonermakeIt’s pouring with rain – we’ll have to make a dash for it.pourWhen the alarm went there was a mad dash for the exit.gobe3line [countable] a line [ – ] used in writing to separate two closely related parts of a sentence, as for example, in the sentence ‘Go home – they’re waiting for you.’4sound [countable] a long sound or flash of light used for sending messages in Morse code → dot5car [countable] American English a dashboard6style [uncountable]BRAVE old-fashioned style, energy, and courage in someone such as a soldier7cut a dash old-fashionedBEAUTIFUL/GOOD-LOOKING to look very impressive and attractive in particular clothes: With her new image, she’ll certainly cut a dash on her holiday cruise.COLLOCATIONSMeaning 2verbsmake a dash for something The rain had almost stopped so we decided to make a dash for home.havestopdecidemake a dash for it (=run very quickly to escape or to reach a place) He turned and made a dash for it but the police officer caught him.turnmakecatchadjectivesa quick dash Have I got time to make a quick dash to the shops?getshopa sudden dash He made a sudden dash for the door.makea mad/frantic dash (=very fast, usually because you are worried about something) ‘Something’s burning’, she said, making a mad dash for the kitchen.burnsaymakea headlong dash (=without looking where you are going) I made a headlong dash up the street but just missed the bus.makemissa last-minute dash (=very fast, because you have very little time remaining) We only just caught our plane, after a last-minute dash to the airport.catchTHESAURUStypes of punctuation markapostrophe the sign ' that is used to show that one or more letters or numbers have been left out, as in don’t, or used before ‘s’ to show that something belongs to someone or something, as in Mark’s dogbrackets British English, parentheses AmE and BrE formal a pair of signs used for enclosing information that interrupts a sentencecolon the sign : that is used to introduce an explanation, example, quotation etcsemicolon the sign ; that is used to separate words in a list, or different parts of a sentence that can be understood separatelycomma the sign , that is used to separate things in a list, or between two clauses in a sentencehyphen the sign – that is used to join words or syllables dash the sign — that is used to separate two closely related parts of a sentence, especially in more informal Englishfull stop British English, period American English the sign . that is used to mark the end of a sentence or the short form of a wordexclamation mark British English, exclamation point American English the sign ! that is used after a sentence or word that expresses surprise, anger, or excitementquestion mark the sign ? that is used at the end of a questionquotation marks (also inverted commas British English) a pair of signs ‘ and ’ that are put around words, especially to show that you are quoting what someone has said
verb [transitive]
Date: 1300-1400Language: Old French
Origin: poinçonner ‘to make a hole in’, from poinçon ‘tool for making holes’ Verb form1hitHIT to hit someone or something hard with your fist (=closed hand):
He punched me and knocked my teeth out.punchknocktoothpunch somebody on/in somethingHe punched Jack in the face.punch2make holesHOLE to make a hole in something, using a metal tool or other sharp object: The guard punched my ticket and I got on.punchgetThese bullets can punch a hole through 20 mm steel plate.bullet3push buttonsPRESS to push a button or key on a machine: Just punch the button to select a track.4punch holes in sb’s argument/idea/plans etc to criticize someone’s views, idea, plans etc by showing why they are wrong5punch the air to make a movement like a punch towards the sky, to show that you are very pleased: He punched the air in triumph.punch6punch sb’s lights out informalHIT to hit someone hard in the face7punch the clock American English informal to record the time that you start or finish work by putting a card into a special machine8cattle American English old-fashioned to move cattle from one place to another9punch above your weight informal if businesses, organizations, teams etc punch above their weight, they are successful in an activity or task which usually needs more money, power, skill etc than they seem to have – used especially in newspaperspunch in phrasal verb1American English to record the time that you arrive at work, by putting a card into a special machine SYN clock in British English2punch something ↔ in to put information into a computer by pressing buttons or keyspunch out phrasal verb American English1to record the time that you leave work, by putting a card into a special machine SYN clock out British English2punch somebody outHIT to hit someone so hard that they become unconsciousTHESAURUSto hit someonehit to hit someone quickly and hard with your hand, a stick etc: He hit him hard in the stomach. | I don’t like to see people hitting a dog.hitbeat to hit someone deliberately many times, especially very hard: The girl had been beaten to death.havebebeat | He was beating the donkey with a stick.bebeatstrike written to hit someone with your hand or a weapon. Strike is more formal than hit and is mainly used in written English: Her husband struck her twice across the face.strike | Police say that the man had been struck on the head.havebestrikepunch to hit someone hard with your closed hand, especially in a fight: I punched him on the nose.punch | She was screaming and punching him with her fists.bescreampunchfistthump /θʌmp/ informal to punch someone very hard: Sometimes I just want to thump him.beat somebody up to hurt someone badly in a violent attack, by hitting them many times: If I tell the police, they'll beat me up. | He had been beaten up and tortured with lighted cigarettes.havebebeattorturelightcigaretteslap to hit someone with your open hand, especially because you are angry with them: They had a big row and she ended up slapping him.haveendslapspank (also smack especially British English) to hit someone, especially a child, with your open hand in order to punish them: Should a parent ever smack a child?shall | I don’t agree with smacking.smack | In those days, children were spanked if they behaved badly.daychildbespankbehave
punchnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusThesaurus 1Activator 1Word sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplespunchpunchespunchpunch2 nounSense 1-2, 5-7:Date: 1500-1600
Origin: → PUNCH1Sense 3:
Date: 1600-1700
Origin: Perhaps from Hindi pãc ‘five’; because there are five things that go into it. Sense 4:
Date: 1500-1600
Origin: Probably from puncheon; → POUNCESense 8:
Date: 1800-1900
Origin: Punch character in children's puppet shows, from Punchinello, probably from Italian dialect polecenella ‘little chicken’ 1[countable]HIT a quick strong hit made with your fist (=closed hand)punch in/on
a punch in the kidneyskidneyI managed to land a punch on his chin.manageThe two men started throwing punches (=trying to hit each other).manstartthrowpunch2[singular, uncountable]EFFECTIVE a strong effective way of expressing things that makes people interested: Thirty years after it was written, Orton’s ‘Entertaining Mr Sloane’ still packs a punch.yearbewriteentertainpack3[uncountable and countable] a drink made from fruit juice, sugar, water, and usually some alcohol: a glass of hot punch4
[countable] a metal tool for cutting holes or for pushing something into a small hole5a one-two punch two bad events that happen close together: A meteorite collided with Earth at the same time, delivering a one-two punch to the magnetic field.collidedeliver6not pull any/your punches to express disapproval or criticism clearly, without trying to hide anything: The inquiry report doesn’t pull any punches in apportioning blame.punchapportion7beat somebody/something to the punch informal to do or get something before anyone else does: Hitachi has beaten its competitors to the punch with its new palmtop.havebeatcompetitor8as pleased as punchHAPPY old-fashioned very happy: He’s as pleased as punch about the baby.please → pack a (hard) punch at pack1(8)COLLOCATIONSverbsthrow a punch (=try to hit someone) Rob was so angry that he turned round and threw a punch at the man.beturnthrowland a punch (=manage to hit someone) Then I began to land some good punches.beginpunchgive somebody a punch He gave me a punch on the nose.givedeliver a punch formal (=hit someone) Who actually delivered the punch that killed the man?deliverkilltake a punch (=be hit, or deal well with being hit) I took a lot of punches but I gave a lot too.takepunchgiveADJECTIVES/NOUN + punch a hard/powerful punch My stomach took a couple of hard punches.takepuncha good punch Tyson landed one good punch but it wasn’t enough.landa knockout punch (=a blow that knocks someone down so that they cannot get up again) In the fourth round, Lewis produced a knockout punch that ended the fight.produceendTHESAURUSto make a hole in something make a hole in something to cause a hole to appear in something: Make a hole in the bottom of the can using a hammer and nail.usepierce to make a small hole in or through something, using a pointed object: The dog's teeth had pierced her skin.toothhavepierce | Shelley wanted to have her ears pierced (=for earrings).wantearpierceprick to make a very small hole in the surface of something, using a pointed object: Prick the potatoes before baking them.potatobake | My finger was bleeding where the needle had pricked it.bebleedhaveprickpunch to make a hole through paper or flat material using a metal tool or other sharp object: I bought one of those things for punching holes in paper.buythingpunchhole | You have to get your ticket punched before you get on the train.punchpuncture to make a small hole in something, especially something where skin or a wall surrounds a softer or hollow inside part: The bullet had punctured his lung.havepunctureperforate formal to make a hole or holes in something: Fragments of the bullet had perforated his intestines.fragmenthaveperforateintestinedrill to make a hole using a special tool, often one which turns round and round very quickly: The dentist started drilling a hole in my tooth.startdrill | They won a contract to drill for oil in the area.winbore to make a deep round hole through a rock, into the ground etc: They had to bore through solid rock.havebear | The men were boring a hole for the tunnel.manbebore
PunchPunchPunchPunch1
1Mr Punch the main character in a punch and judy show2as pleased as Punch old-fashioned very happy: He’s as pleased as Punch about the baby.please
PunchPunchPunchPunch2 trademark a British weekly magazine which was started in 1841 and continued to be published until 2002. It is known especially for its humorous articles and cartoons.
noun [countable]1a type of lawyer in Britain who gives legal advice, prepares the necessary documents when property is bought or sold, and defends people, especially in the lower courts of law → lawyer, advocate, barrister: You need to see a solicitor.a small firm of solicitorssolicitor2American English someone who goes from place to place trying to sell goods or services: A sign on the door read, ‘No Solicitors’.solicitorTHESAURUSlawyer someone whose job is to advise people about laws, write formal agreements, or represent people in court: His lawyer told him to plead guilty.tellattorney American English a lawyer. Attorney sounds more formal than lawyer: ‘The United States sees intellectual property rights as sacred,’ said Thomas Klitgaard, an attorney specializing in international law.unitestateseerightsayspecialize | Acting on the advice of his attorney, he remained silent throughout the questioning.actremainquestionsolicitor a type of lawyer in Britain who gives legal advice, prepares the documents when property is bought or sold, and defends people, especially in the lower courts of law: She works as a commercial property solicitor at Nabarro Nathanson in London.work | He went to the family solicitor to make a will.gobarrister a lawyer in Britain who can argue cases in the higher law courts: McWalter's barrister, Hugh Vass, stressed his client’s previous good character.stressadvocate formal a formal word for a lawyer in American English, or a barrister in Scotland: The committee can put questions to the defendant or his advocate.questionbrief British English informal the lawyer who represents someone in a court case: His brief asked for a fine rather than a prison sentence.askcounsel [uncountable] the lawyer or group of lawyers who are representing someone in court: counsel for the defence/prosecution
noun [countable]Date: 1200-1300Language: Old French
Origin: tailleur, from taillier ‘to cut’, from Late Latin taliare, from Latin talea ‘small stick, piece cut off a plant for regrowing’ someone whose job is to make men’s clothes, that are measured to fit each customer perfectly → dressmaker tailorverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from the corpusCorpus examplestailortailorstailoredtailoringtailortailor2
verb [transitive]Verb form to make something so that it is exactly right for someone’s particular needs or for a particular purposetailor something to somethingTreatment is tailored to the needs of each patient.betailorneedtailor something to meet/suit sb’s needs/requirementsThe classes are tailored to suit learners’ needs.classbetailorlearnerneedtailor something for somebodyWe tailored the part specifically for her.tailor
nounLanguage: Old EnglishOrigin: pipor, from Latin piper, from Greek peperi
1 [uncountable] a powder that is used to add a hot taste to food: salt and pepper → black pepper, white pepper2
[countable] a hollow red, green, or yellow vegetable, eaten either raw or cooked with other food SYN bell pepper American English → sweet pepper, cayenne pepper, red pepper
pepperverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplespepperpepperspepperedpepperingpepperpepper2 verb [transitive]Verb form1SPREAD[usually passive] if something is peppered with things, it has a lot of those things in it or on itbe peppered with somethinga speech peppered with amusing storiespepperamusestoryThe surface of the moon is peppered with craters.bepeppercrater2if bullets pepper something, they hit it several times: Machine gun fire peppered the front of the building.pepperbuild3pepper somebody with questions American English to ask someone a lot of questions, one after the other: Reporters peppered him with questions.reporterpepperquestion4to add pepper to food: Pepper the steak well.peppered salamipepper
verb [transitive not in progressive]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: gerecenian ‘to tell, explain’ Verb form1especially British English spokenTHINK/HAVE THE OPINION THAT to think or suppose somethingreckon (that)
Do you reckon he’ll agree to see us?The police reckon that whoever killed Dad was with him earlier that day.killbeearly‘There’s nothing we can do about it.’ ‘You reckon (=used to express doubt or disagreement)?’2GUESSto guess a number or amount, without calculating it exactlyreckon (that)We reckon that sitting in traffic jams costs us around $9 billion a year in lost output.sitjamcostlosereckon something to be somethingThe average selling price for flats in the area was reckoned to be around £200,000.sellflatbereckon3JUDGE[usually passive] to think that someone or something is a particular kind of person or thingbe reckoned to be somethingThe Lowsons were reckoned to be very good farmers.bereckonfarmerMoving house is reckoned to be nearly as stressful as divorce.movebereckonbe reckoned as somethingAn earthquake of magnitude 7 is reckoned as a major quake.bereckon4formalCOUNT/CALCULATE to calculate an amount: The expression ‘full moon’ means the fourteenth day of the moon reckoned from its first appearance.meanreckonreckon on something phrasal verb British English EXPECTto expect something to happen, when you are making plans: We were reckoning on a profit of about half a million a year.bereckonreckon on doing somethingI was reckoning on getting at least 60% of the votes.bereckongetlittlevotereckon something ↔ up phrasal verb British English old-fashioned COUNT/CALCULATEto add up amounts, costs etc in order to get a total SYN calculate: Pat was reckoning up the cost of everything in her mind.bereckonreckon with somebody/something phrasal verb1somebody/something to be reckoned withPOWER someone or something that is powerful and must be regarded seriously as a possible opponent, competitor, danger etc: Barcelona will be a force to be reckoned with this season.reckonThe principal was certainly a woman to be reckoned with.bereckon2not reckon with somebody/somethingTHINK ABOUT to not consider a possible problem when you are making plans: I had not reckoned with the excitement in the popular press.havereckon3have somebody/something to reckon withDEAL WITH to have to deal with someone or something powerful: Any invader would have the military might of NATO to reckon with.willreckon without somebody/something phrasal verb British English THINK ABOUTif you are reckoning without something, you do not expect it and are not prepared for it: They doubted that Fiona could finish the course, but they reckoned without her determination.doubtcanreckon
verb [transitive]Word familyDate: 1400-1500Language: Latin
Origin: past participle of extrahere, from trahere ‘to pull’ Verb form1REMOVE formal to remove an object from somewhere, especially with difficulty SYN pull out:
You’ll have to have that tooth extracted.extractextract something from somethingHe extracted an envelope from his inside pocket.extract2REMOVEto carefully remove a substance from something which contains it, using a machine, chemical process etcextract something from somethingOils are extracted from the plants.oilbeextractplant3FIND OUTto get something which you want from someone, such as information, money, help etc, especially when they do not want to give it to youextract something from somebodyShe had extracted a promise from him.haveextractThey used torture to extract information about their families.usefamily4to take information or a short piece of writing from a book: We need to extract the relevant financial data.datum5to get an advantage or good thing from a situationextract something from somethingThey aim to extract the maximum political benefit from the Games.game
extractnounCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Word sets 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesextractextractsextractex‧tract2 AC /ˈekstrækt/ nounWord family1[countable]PART a short piece of writing, music etc taken from a particular book, piece of music etc SYN excerptextract fromI’ve only seen short extracts from the film.seeextract2[uncountable and countable] a substance obtained from something by using a special processvanilla/malt/plant etc extractAdd one teaspoon of vanilla extract.
verb [transitive]Date: 1500-1600Language: Old French
Origin: esploit ‘result, success’, from Latin explicitus, from explicare; → EXPLICATE Verb form1TREAT/BEHAVE TOWARDSto treat someone unfairly by asking them to do things for you, but giving them very little in return – used to show disapproval:
Homeworkers can easily be exploited by employers.homeworkerexploitemployer2to try to get as much as you can out of a situation, sometimes unfairly: The violence was blamed on thugs exploiting the situation.beblamethugexploit3USE STHto use something fully and effectively: The new TV companies are fully exploiting the potential of satellite transmission.companybeexploit4to develop and use minerals, forests, oil etc for business or industry: the urgent need to exploit the resources of the Irish Searesource—exploitableexploitable adjective—exploiterexploitersexploiter noun [countable]THESAURUSuse: Do you mind if I use your phone? | They rebuilt the church using local stone.rebuilduse | We use a range of different methods.methodmake use of something to use something that is available to you: Staff can make use of a wide range of facilities.facility | She made full use of her contacts within the organization.makecontactemploy formal to use a particular method or skill in order to achieve something: The surgeons employed a new technique.surgeonemploy | They employed every means at their disposal (=every available method).employmeanutilize formal to use something that is available to you, for a practical purpose: The company has developed a new way to utilize solar energy.havedevelop | a better way of utilizing the spacewellutilizeexploit to use something as fully and effectively as possible, or to use something that will give you an advantage over your opponent: The country’s natural resources have not yet been fully exploited.resourcebeexploit | He was quick to exploit any weakness in his opponent’s argument.beapply to use something such as a method, idea, or system in a particular situation: New technology is being applied to almost every industrial process.bebeapply | I wanted to apply the things that I had learned on the course.wantthinghavelearndraw on something to use information, knowledge, or experience that you have learned in the past: He was able to draw on his own experience as a diplomat when he was writing the book.bebewrite | Journalists draw on information from many different sources.journalistsourceresort to something to use violence, force, threats etc as a way of achieving something: Extremists on both sides resort to violence.extremistside | We are prepared to resort to force if necessary.beprepare
exploitnounCollocations from other entriesActivator 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplesexploitexploitsexploitex‧ploit2 /ˈeksplɔɪt/ noun [countable usually plural] DOa brave and exciting adventure that someone has hadexploit ofthe daring exploits of the British Parachute Regimentdareexploit
verb (past tense and past participle tugged, present participle tugging)Verb form1PULL[intransitive and transitive] to pull with one or more short, quick pulls: The woman gently tugged his arm.tugtug at/on somethingJoe was tugging at her sleeve.betug2[transitive always + adverb/preposition] British English to pull a piece of clothing quickly onto your bodytug something onAlice was tugging on a sweater.betug3tug at sb’s heart/heartstrings written to make someone feel sympathy for someone or somethingTHESAURUSpull to make something or someone move in the direction that your hands are moving: He pulled her towards him and kissed her.pullkiss | Sam was pulling on his socks.bepullsocktug to pull something suddenly with a short quick movement, often to get someone’s attention: ‘Look,’ he said, tugging at his brother’s sleeve.saytug | I tugged at the drawer but it wouldn’t open.tugdrag to pull something along the ground, especially because it is heavy: If we can’t lift the piano, we’ll have to drag it.haul to pull something big and heavy using a lot of effort, especially upwards and using a rope: They hauled their boats further up the beach.haulboatfar | fishermen hauling in their netsfishermanhaulnetheave to pull or lift something very heavy, especially with one movement: He heaved the sack of sand onto his shoulder.heavedraw formal to pull something or someone gently in a particular direction: Lisa reached for his hand but he drew it away.reachdrawpull to be attached to a vehicle or piece of machinery and make it move behind you in the direction you are going: Ten dogs were pulling a sledge over the ice.dogbepull | a tractor pulling a ploughpulltow to pull a vehicle behind – used about a vehicle, a boat, or a horse pulling something using a rope or chain: The car in front of us was towing a caravan.betow | Horses were used to tow the boats along the canals.horsebeuseboatcanaldraw to pull a vehicle such as a carriage – used especially about horses doing this: a carriage drawn by four horsesdrawhorse | a horse-drawn cartdraw
tugnounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplestugtugstugtug2 noun [countable]1(also ˈtug boat) a small strong boat used for pulling or guiding ships into a port, up a river etc2[usually singular]PULL a sudden strong pull: She removed the bandage with a sharp tug.remove3[usually singular] a strong and sudden feelingtug ofKate felt a tug of jealousy.feel
noun
Date: 1100-1200Language: Old French
Origin: corone, from Latin corona ‘circle of leaves put on someone's head, crown’, from Greek korone
1hat for king/queen [countable] a)a circle made of gold and decorated with jewels, worn by kings and queens on their heads b)a circle, sometimes made of things such as leaves or flowers, worn by someone who has won a special honour2country’s ruler the crown a)the position of being king or queen: The treaty of Troyes made Henry V heir to the crown of France.make b)the government of a country such as Britain that is officially led by a king or queen: He has retired from the service of the Crown.haveretire3tooth [countable] an artificial top for a damaged tooth4head [usually singular]TOP the top part of a hat or someone’s headcrown ofauburn hair piled high on the crown of her headpilea hat with a high crown5hill [usually singular] the top of a hill or something shaped like a hillcrown ofThey drove to the crown of Zion hill and on into town.driveThe masonry at the crown of the arch is paler than on either curve.bepale6sports [usually singular] the position you have if you have won an important sports competition: Can she retain her Wimbledon crown?He went on to win the world crown in 2001.go7money [countable] a)the standard unit of money in some European countries: Swedish crownscrown b)an old British coin. Four crowns made a pound.8SIGN/SYMBOLpicture [countable] a mark, sign, badge etc in the shape of a crown, used especially to show rank or quality
crownverbCollocations from this entryCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1 2Phrases from this entryPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplescrowncrownscrownedcrowningcrowncrown2 verb [transitive]Date: 1100-1200Language: Old French
Origin: coroner, from Latin coronare, from corona; → CROWN1 Verb form1to place a crown on the head of a new king or queen as part of an official ceremony in which they become king or queen → coronation:
Louis was crowned at Reims in 814.becrowncrown somebody (as) king/queen etcIn 1896 Nicholas was crowned as Tsar.becrown2to give someone a title for winning a competition: She was crowned Wimbledon champion.becrown3PERFECTto make something perfect or complete, by adding an achievement etccrown somebody with somethinga long career crowned with a peaceful retirementcrown4be crowned with something literaryTOP having something on top: every hill is crowned with a walled villagebecrownwall5to put a protective top on a damaged tooth6informalHIT to hit someone on the head
nounDate: 1200-1300Language: Late Latin
Origin: bursa; → BURSAR 1[countable] a)especially British English a small bag in which women keep paper money, coins, cards etc SYN wallet American English:
Julie opened her handbag and took out her purse.opentake b) (also change purse, coin purse American English) a small bag used to hold coins, used especially by women2[countable] American English a bag in which a woman carries her money and personal things SYN handbag British English: I locked the door and dropped the keys in my purse.lockdropkey3[singular] formal the amount of money that a person, organization, or country has available to spend: Election expenses are met from the public purse (=money controlled by the government).expensebemeetA visit to the new county museum will set the family purse back by around £12.4[countable] the amount of money given to someone who wins a sports event, such as a boxing match or a car race: They will compete for a $100,000 purse.5the purse stringsCONTROL used to refer to the control of spending in a family, company, country etchold/control the purse stringsIt all comes down to who holds the purse strings.comeholdstringShe keeps tight control over the purse strings.keepstring
purseverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusPhrases from other entriesCorpus examplespursepursespursedpursingpursepurse2 verb [transitive]Verb form if you purse your lips, you bring them together tightly into a small circle, especially to show disapproval or doubt: Mrs Biddell pursed her lips and shook her head.purselipshake
verbDate: 1500-1600Origin: Perhaps from shove Verb form1[intransitive always + adverb/preposition]WALK to walk very slowly and noisily, without lifting your feet off the groundshuffle forward/over/back etc
The official signaled to one of the waiters, who shuffled forward.signalwaitershuffleWith sore legs and aching chest, he shuffled over to the bathroom.legacheshuffle2shuffle your feetEMBARRASSED to move your feet slightly, especially because you are bored or embarrassed: Monica shuffled her feet nervously and stared at the floor.shufflefootstare3[transitive]MOVE STH OR SB to move something such as papers into a different order or into different positions: Jack sat nervously shuffling the papers around on his desk.sitshufflepapershuffle throughFrances shuffled through a pile of magazines.shufflemagazine4 [intransitive and transitive] to mix playing cards into a different order before playing a game with them: Is it my turn to shuffle?beJust shuffle the cards.card → reshuffleTHESAURUSto walk slowlytrudge /trʌdʒ/ to walk in a slow tired way because it is difficult to continue walking, or you do not want to go somewhere: The men trudged along the road, heads bent against the wind.mantrudgeheadbend | I’ve spent hours trudging around the shops looking for a present.spendhourtrudgeshoplookplod to walk slowly in a tired way – often used about a horse, donkey etc: The donkey was plodding slowly along under its heavy load.beplod | I plodded on growing thirstier and hungrier.plodgrowthirstyhungryshuffle to walk very slowly and noisily without lifting your feet off the ground: The old man got up and shuffled to the door.getshuffle
shufflenounCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusWord sets 1Phrases from this entryOther dictionary examplesCorpus examplesshuffleshufflesshuffleshuffle2 noun1[singular]WALK a slow walk in which you do not lift your feet off the ground2[countable] the act of mixing cards into a different order before playing a game3be/get lost in the shuffle to not be noticed or considered because there are so many other things to deal with: The information contained in the memo got lost in the shuffle once it reached headquarters.containgetlosereach
noun [countable]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: sacc, from Latin saccus, from Greek sakkos ‘bag, sackcloth’ 1a)a large bag made of strong rough cloth or strong paper, used for storing or carrying flour, coal, vegetables etcsack of
a sack of potatoespotato b)(also sackful) the amount that a sack can containsack ofWe need about a sack of rice.2the sack British English informalLEAVE A JOB OR ORGANIZATION when someone is dismissed from their job: They’ve never actually given anyone the sack.giveHe got the sack for stealing.getstealShe claimed she’d been threatened with the sack.claimbethreaten3hit the sack old-fashioned informalSLEEP to go to bed: It’s one o'clock – time to hit the sack.4in the sack informal in bed – used to talk about sexual activity: I bet she’s great in the sack.5the sack of something formal a situation in which an army goes through a place, destroying or stealing things and attacking people: the sack of Rome in 1527
sackverbCollocations from other entriesCollocations from the corpusActivator 1Word sets 1Other dictionary examplesCorpus examplessacksackssackedsackingsacksack2 verb [transitive]Sense 1-2,4:Date: 1900-2000
Origin: → SACK1Sense 3:
Date: 1500-1600
Origin: sack ‘destruction of and stealing from a town’ (16-21 centuries), from French sac ( → SAC), in the phrase mettre A sac ‘put in the bag’, from Italian mettere a sacco Verb form1British English informalLEAVE A JOB OR ORGANIZATION to dismiss someone from their job SYN fire:
They couldn’t sack me – I’d done nothing wrong.dosack somebody from somethingHe was sacked from every other job he had.besackhavesack somebody for (doing) somethingHe was sacked for being drunk.besackbedrinkRegisterIn written and formal British English, people often prefer to use dismiss rather than sack:People can be dismissed for misusing the Internet at work.dismissmisuse2to knock down the quarterback in American football3ATTACKif soldiers sack a place, they go through it destroying or stealing things and attacking people: The Goths sacked Rome.gothsacksack out phrasal verb American English SLEEP informal to go to sleep: He sacked out on the sofa.sack
noun [countable]Language: Old EnglishOrigin: hafoc
1 a large bird that hunts and eats small birds and animals2WARa politician who believes in using military force OPP dove3watch somebody like a hawkLOOK AT to watch someone very carefully4have eyes like a hawkNOTICE to be quick to notice things, especially small details
hawkverbPhrases from other entriesOther dictionary examplesCorpus exampleshawkhawkshawkedhawkinghawkhawk2 verbSense 1:Date: 1500-1600
Origin: hawkerSense 2:
Date: 1500-1600
Origin: Probably from the sound Verb form1[transitive]SELL to try to sell goods, usually by going from place to place and trying to persuade people to buy them2[intransitive and transitive] to cough up phlegm